Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens receives $10,000 grant

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For fiscal year 2017, the National Endowment for the Arts approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country. Of those funds, a $10,000 Art Works grant has been awarded to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to support the creation and implementation of the museum’s upcoming “Augusta Savage: Artist-Community-Activist” exhibition, which will be on display in 2018.

The grant, which will also fund the publication and programming associated with the exhibition, was one of 1,029 NEA grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

“The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” NEA Chairman Jane Chu said. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as the Cummer Museum in serving its communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences.”

“Augusta Savage: Artist-Community-Activist” will focus on Augusta Savage’s legacy as a Harlem Renaissance leader, as well as her art and her influence on her students. A gifted sculptor, Savage (1892-1962) became an important teacher, leader and catalyst for change. Through this exhibition, the Museum seeks to highlight the artistic, social and historic impact of Savage, who despite her influential career, is largely under-recognized today. Once the exhibition closes at the museum, it will travel to four other museums.

“For the past decade, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has passionately championed the legacy of Augusta Savage throughout the state of Florida,” said Cummer Museum Chief Operating Officer and Chief Curator Holly Keris. “Even though her career led her north, Savage was born in relative proximity to our Museum, and her passion for sculpture developed in our region. The Cummer Museum feels this connection deeply, and we are delighted to have received this grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Support of this level adds to the credibility of our institution and the legitimacy of this project.”