Educational Foundation of America Funds Diversity Initiative at VSC
$80,000 grant will fund VSC Diversity Initiative over the next 2 years.
[JOHNSON, VT] — The Educational Foundation of America will fund a new series of fellowships as part of the Vermont Studio Center’s Diversity Initiative, making VSC residencies available to artists and writers of color from the United States, as well as artists and writers from Middle East. The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) grant is part of VSC’s ongoing initiative to promote diversity and inter-cultural engagement.
Beginning in October, 2011, twelve American artists and writers and three Middle Eastern artists and writers will be awarded VSC residencies over the coming year. All 15 EFA fellows will work at the Vermont Studio Center within a total creative community of 70 residents and staff, providing an invaluable opportunity for exchange and dialogue within the largest artists’ residency program in the United States. VSC residencies include private studios, excellent food and accommodations, undistracted working time, optional counsel from distinguished visiting artists and writers, the rural mountain and riverside setting of Johnson, Vermont, and the international diversity of artists and writers living and working as part of the VSC community.
Vermont Studio Center May 2011 Internation Residents
Established in 1959 to preserve the lifelong altruistic commitment of its founders, the Educational Foundation of America has been dedicated to access to higher education, Native American causes, population issues and reproductive health. Since 2010, the EFA has redefined its long-term strategy and now focuses exclusively on Arts & Education, the Environment and Sustainable Population.
“We're very pleased and proud to have been awarded this grant," said Fred Osborne, chair of VSC Board. "We have a long history of welcoming artists with diverse backgrounds to our Center and its studios in the beautiful environs of Northern Vermont, and have seen how the exchange of diverse ideas creates profound understandings and connections within the whole community."
VSC's Executive Director George Pearlman added, "The Studio Center provides opportunities for impressions and exchanges not just in the studio, but also in the dining hall, through lectures, gallery openings, at the local coffee shop and interaction with Vermont children in the local schools. This grant will have a broad impact on the community as well as on the artists.”
African American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic, and Asian American artists and writers may apply beginning with the October 3, 2011 Fellowship deadline. Artists living in the Middle East should apply at the April 1, 2012 International Fellowships deadline. To learn more about the fellowship, or to download an application, please visit our website. For additional fellowship and application information, please contact David Grozinsky at 802-635-2727 or email admissions@vermontstudiocenter.org.
