Coming down from a tryptophan high after a socially distanced Thanksgiving, we enter a holiday season unlike any before. The coming weeks are likely to seem as surreal as our Thanksgiving celebration. But there are glimmers of hope. Despite the ongoing, and in many cases more restrictive, public gathering limitations, the pharmaceutical world appears to have made great progress, showing promise for 2021.
But until vaccines are fully approved and disseminated, continued implementation of the safety precautions drilled into our heads (masks, six feet of separation, frequent handwashing) are strongly encouraged. Nevertheless, while this may be a time of physical distancing and separation, it does not have to be a time of social isolation.
I can think of no better remedy to overcome our physical separation than participation and enjoyment of the arts…together! While arts programming has made a dramatic shift, there is much going on that you, your family, and friends can avail yourselves of. Many of your traditional treats are being presented this holiday season, from holiday concerts and light shows, to Nutcrackers, to decorative exhibitions, and more. Just check out Holiday Happenings in DelawareScene to see what I’m talking about.
This holiday season will certainly be different, but the arts and holiday traditions bring us together, even if virtually. They stir up memories of holidays past; and kindle the joy of the season. May your holidays be filled with light, joy, and peace. And may the new year be one of healing and restoration.
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All Division grant applications with a March 1, 2021 application deadline are now open in smARTDE. This includes the following grant programs for Delaware-based organizations:
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Arts Stabilization Fund – for eligible arts organization with facilities renovation projects
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Education Resource – for arts organizations and public schools or school districts collaborating with professional arts organizations or artists to enhance school-based instruction through the arts
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General Operating Support – for eligible arts organizations
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Project Support – for non-arts, community-based organizations offering arts activities
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StartUp – for emerging arts organizations to strengthen their management capacity prior to applying for general operating support
Log in to smARTDE, and click on “Opportunities” to access applications for which your organization is eligible.
For Grant Program Guidelines, instructions for smARTDE, and a 30-minute video demonstration, please visit our Grant Overview page. Be sure to read through the appropriate program guidelines carefully prior to application and contact Division staff members if you have questions. |
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As if 2020 hasn't presented enough challenges, we recently said goodbye to Leeann Wallett. It was with profound regret for our loss, but excitement for Leeann and the opportunity awaiting her, that we bid farewell on December 1.
Leeann’s talent, energy, and work ethic are certain to be valued as much in her new venture as they have been here. We couldn’t have appreciated her time here more. In my years as division director, I can say with pride that we’ve been able to attract some of the most exemplary people, not only for their professional qualities, but also their personal attributes. Leeann is among them.
I recently received an email from one of Leeann’s colleagues in a sister agency, who had contacted her for assistance in some new software they’re considering. He wrote: “Leeann was extremely generous with her time and in sharing her knowledge and experience. She was very patient and kind with me…You certainly have an outstanding employee in Leeann. She is extremely articulate, capable, and pleasant—a formidable combination.”
I couldn’t have said it better! Leeann’s tenure with us has resulted in an amazing growth in our communications output, expanded use of technology, and visibility across the state, building a firm foundation for her successors.
And on top of that, she has been an absolute delight to have as part of our staff for the past five years. While we will miss Leeann immensely, we wish her the best in her new adventure. Leeann is one of those who will go far in her career. We are privileged to have been a part of that journey!
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Coming Soon: Public Input Period |
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In late February 2021, a draft of the Division’s new Strategic Plan for FY2022-FY2026 will be released for public input, and in March 2021, the final plan will be formally approved by the Delaware State Arts Council and printed and published on the Division’s website below. |
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Holiday Happenings only at DelawareScene
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Start a new family tradition and attend a holiday arts event together. Buy a subscription, membership, or make a donation for someone who loves the arts! Visit DelawareScene.com for all your arts and entertainment events. Our “Holiday Happenings” list has dozens of events and shopping opportunities. |
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Established Professional, Jazz: Composition |
Composer Jonathan W. Whitney is deeply committed to creating music that speaks both about and to his community. “Art can address social issues, express frustration, and bring about change,” but he knows that “it also brings joy, the highest form of protest against oppression.” Whitney grew up in Newark, and his father – a professional drummer with an organ repair business – was his major early influence.
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Established Professional, Dance: Choreography |
Michele Xiques Arnold is a Delaware native, born on Dover Air Force Base where her father served. But it was when her father’s transfer took the family to North Carolina that she seriously began the training that would lead to her profession as a ballerina and choreographer and her calling as a dance educator. Michele returned to Delaware with her family when she was 12. Read more
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On the Mezzanine: Kim Klabe |
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Pours: Feelings of an Almost Human Nature, an exhibition of works on paper by Kim Klabe, is on view in the Mezzanine Gallery through January 8, 2021. Klabe uses beer and wine to create spontaneous artwork she calls “pours.”
Klabe explains, “I love the way the wine and beer move across the textured paper - their color, the way they puddle and leave shimmery sugars behind. I love how wine and beer can bring people together for laughs and conversation. This medium is unique and unusual and has helped me connect with my true love for art and expression.”
This show features “pours” inspired by music that has meant something to Klabe over the years. She names the artwork to reflect either the title of a song or album or selected lyrics. “Pours” inspired by music from The Police, Counting Crows, and Pink Floyd will be on view.
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Upcoming Exhibitions (Dates subject to change)
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Paintings by
Connie Simon
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Paintings by
Eileen Olson
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The Mezzanine Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located on the second floor of the
Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. The Gallery is closed on state holidays.
Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet distance
from other individuals not in their household.
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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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Delaware ChoralArts
Holiday Concert
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Market Street Music
Concerts Two Ways
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Newark Arts Alliance
Holiday Art Market
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New Light Theatre
Songs for a New World
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Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Celebrate the Holidays at Winterthur
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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 $150 million in funds available, is a joint initiative from the State and New Castle County. More Delaware small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for DE Relief Grants under changes made to the program.
The grant application is now live for the third round of funding. Before the application opens, businesses and nonprofits should gather the following documents: 2019 federal tax return (requirement different for nonprofits), receipts for qualifying eligible expenses, and current Delaware business license.
Please read the guidelines and eligibility requirements here. |
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Delaware Remains in Phase 2 of the Economic Reopening |
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Delaware entered Phase 2 of the economic reopening on June 15, 2020 and remains there until further notice. Governor Carney's Phase 2 reopening plan builds on the Phase 1 plan and provides additional general and sector-specific guidance for Delawareans and Delaware businesses. Learn more
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The Division of Facilities Management is looking for black and white image submissions of Delaware that will be framed and displayed in a newly renovated "Carvel Marketplace" that will be open to the public on the mezzanine level of the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French St., Wilmington, DE.
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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
January & February 2021
March & April 2021
May & June 2021
July & August 2021
September & October 2021
November & December 2021
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Submit before
As soon as possible
January 15, 2021
March 15, 2021
May 15, 2021
July 15, 2021
November 15, 2021
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Ongoing Division Grant Deadlines |
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Artist Opportunity: deadline 1/3/2021, for activities happening between 2/15/2021 - 5/15/2021
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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