<\/a>A Blade of Grass<\/b>, established in 2011 as the first grant-making organization solely dedicated to socially engaged art, today announced its second round of organizational grantees. \u00a0The<\/b> Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP)<\/b> and The Laundromat Project <\/b>were selected to receive project support in the amount of $20,000 each, and freeDimensional <\/b>has been selected to receive $20,000 in general operating support.\u00a0 A Blade of Grass will honor these grantees at a private reception in May.<\/p>\nA Blade of Grass\u2019 stake in socially engaged art is organized around two key concepts: amplifying the role of artists as leaders and change agents, and assisting artists who operate in everyday life\u2014particularly at ambitious scale. \u00a0Through an open application process, A Blade of Grass awarded three, one-time grants to \u201cNew York City based public charities that are finding new audiences and purposes for contemporary art by actively engaging communities.\u201d\u00a0 Organizations were able to request funding of up to $20,000 for projects that illuminate the organization\u2019s mission and values, and demonstrate excellence in socially engaged art.\u00a0 Applicants also had the option to request general operating support. \u00a0A distinguished Advisory Committee evaluated the proposals in terms of their artistic excellence; their ability to position artists in leadership roles; and their relevance to communities.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s grantees demonstrate the political and social value of artists within local neighborhoods and globally!\u00a0 We look very forward to working with CUP, Laundromat Project and freeDimensional in the coming year,\u201d said A Blade of Grass Executive Director, Deborah Fisher<\/b>.<\/p>\n