Fort Wayne, Ind. (March 7, 2023) – AWS Foundation awarded Audiences Unlimited the annual Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant in the amount of $21,350 for individuals with disabilities to contribute to public art in Fort Wayne.
“As we’ve seen in the recent PBS Newshour feature, public art has contributed to the emerging image of Fort Wayne,” says Patti Hays, AWS Foundation CEO. “For those with disabilities to get a chance to take part in the creation of public art is an important step in building a truly inclusive community.”
Audiences Unlimited is partnering with area disability service providers to identify artists with disabilities to install a mural on the west-facing wall of the East Wayne Street office of Fletcher Van Gilder LLP. Local artist, Suzanne Rhee, will be the lead designer of the project. Work on the mural is planned to begin in mid-May.
“The mural project will change the landscape of our community while highlighting the talents, passion and artistic voices of individuals with disabilities,” says Anna Ross, Audiences Unlimited Executive Director.
AWS Foundation created the Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant in honor of its first employee, Lynne Gilmore, for her service to the disability community. The competitive grant is awarded to one recipient annually for a project that creates opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in the arts. Applications are accepted each year in the fall.