This certainly has been a challenging time, to say the least. Artists are struggling, particularly those engaged in the “gig economy.” Educators have feverishly worked over the summer to figure out how to provide safe and effective instruction this fall. And arts organizations are challenged to remain relevant and viable at a time when their very missions are at stake: to provide quality arts programming and experiences for the benefit of all Delawareans.
I’ve had the opportunity in recent weeks to have one-on-one Zoom sessions with representatives from nearly every organization we support. Many have developed innovative ways to present live arts programming. Others have pivoted to a more robust digital presence. While others have gone on programmatic hiatus while they assess and strengthen their internal operations. But regardless of the direction arts organizations have taken, all face two considerable challenges: declining revenue and uncertainty about the future.
Over the late spring and summer months, the Division of the Arts has been able to issue more than 80 grants to artists and organizations through funding from the federal CARES Act, totaling $450,000. But projected lost revenue for these same entities through the end of August was in excess of $15,000,000. Elaborating on this, the Delaware Arts Alliance published, “COVID-19 & Delaware’s Arts & Culture Industry,” outlining the financial impact of COVID has had on the arts sector. Their work has informed the State of Delaware about the extent of the impact, resulting in additional public support through the Division of Small Business’s DE Relief grant program highlighted at the end of this newsletter. But even with that additional public support, the arts sector is challenged.
So, how can you help?
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Stay connected with those arts organizations you have patronized in the past.
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Reach out and ask what you can do for them.
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Consider a donation to help them keep their operations sustainable during these difficult times.
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Attend their events, either live or virtual. And for those organizations that are providing free digital content, consider what it would cost to see that program in person, and give accordingly.
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Do you have a story to tell that reveals the power of the arts in people's lives here in Delaware? Through our podcast, Delaware State of the Arts, you can share your story with the broader community. Using Zoom to record our 20-minute interviews, Delaware State of the Arts provides a comfortable, conversational format for you to share what's happening in the arts.
How about a compelling story to tell as it relates to COVID-19? If you have a story to share about how you’ve been impacted personally or artistically, how you’ve adjusted, what you’ve learned, or how you’ve been able to move on, we want to hear from you.
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Established Professional, Visual Arts: Sculpture |
It’s not surprising that Aaron Paskins began drawing and painting at the young age of seven; he comes from a long line of landscape artists and portrait painters. “I learned composition, color, and good taste from my aunt . . . but my father, a master of technique, gave me the tools.” Paskins’ father made the young artist “practice, practice, practice, and . . . I know now he was building my foundation." Read more
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Emerging Professional, Visual Arts: Sculpture |
Guy Miller was originally from Philadelphia, but the family of four moved to New Castle, Delaware when he was 13 years old, and he still lives and works there. Miller’s sculptures speak allegorically about racial disparity, oppression, and the under-representation of blacks in the culture at large, and he transmits this message by working with and transmuting ready made objects that are instantly recognizable. Read more
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Tart
by Chloe McEldowney
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Tart, an exhibition of paintings by 2020 Artist Fellow Chloe McEldowney will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from now through September 18, 2020. For those unable to visit the Gallery in-person, an online gallery is at the link below. An opening reception is scheduled for September 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.
McEldowney’s portraits are an exploration of femininity and a personal search for self. Fascinated by the intricacies of women, she uses paintings to take an intimate look at the concepts of femininity, anxiety, growth, and self-expression. By overlapping bits of textures and colors in paint, she creates collage-like work that reflects the complexity and vulnerability of the women she paints. McEldowney explains, “By using paint and color to reshape observations and experiences of humanness, I hope to offer a line of emotional connection to the viewer.”
Image: Rinse in Rose, oil on panel, 2020, 36" x 48"
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A New African Experience
by Aaron Paskins
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A New African Experience, an exhibition of African-inspired indigenous works and African-themed fantasy works by 2020 Artist Fellow Aaron Paskins will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from September 25 - October 30, 2020. For those unable to visit the Gallery in-person, an online gallery will be available September 25 here.
Paskins applies multiple layers of different coatings to achieve unique finishes and metallic patinas for his sculptures. He frequently adds adornments such as beads, jewelry, and feathers to his work.
Image: Bella, resin/canvas/rope, 24"H x 50"L x 25" W, 2014
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The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located in the
Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.
Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet distance
from other individuals not in their household.
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Award Winners XX: It's a Wrap!
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Thank you to our partners, Biggs Museum of American Art and CAMP Rehoboth. This year, Cab Calloway was unable to host Award Winners due to the virtual start to the 2020-21 school year.
The 2020 Fellows will be honored in a small outdoor event in September. Check Facebook later this month for a video and photos from the event.
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Each month we'll feature a handful of arts and community-based organizations and their programs and projects funded by the Delaware Division of the Arts. Funding for Division of the Arts grants is provided by the Delaware General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. To view past grants awarded (2000 to present), please visit our Grants Awarded page. |
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Choir School of Delaware
School Year & Season Kick-Off
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Joshua M. Freeman Fdn
The Freeman Stage
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Pacem in Terris
Listen to My Art Exhibition
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Possum Point Players
Community Theater
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Rehoboth Art League
36th Annual Holiday Fair Fine Craft Show
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DE Relief Grants give Delaware small businesses and nonprofits access to funds to cover expenses to provide relief related to COVID-19.
The program, which has at least $100 million in funds available, is a joint initiative from the State and New Castle County.
The grant application goes live September 8, 2020 for the first round of funding. Before the application opens, businesses and nonprofits should gather the following documents: 2019 tax return, receipts for qualifying expenses, and Delaware business license.
Please read the guidelines and eligibility requirements here. |
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We remind and recommend that organizations, businesses and individual artists, submit their remaining 2020 and 2021 events as soon as they are scheduled, and no later than the recommended deadlines below: |
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Event Date
September & October 2020
November & December 2020
January & February 2021
March & April 2021
May & June 2021
July & August 2021
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Submit before
As soon as possible
September 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
January 15, 2021
March 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
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Ongoing Division Grant Deadlines |
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Artist Opportunity: deadline 10/1/2020, for activities happening between 11/15/2020 - 2/15/2021
Artist Residency: rolling deadline, submitted at least 6 weeks prior to start of scheduled residency
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The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278. |
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