Twelve Chicagoland performing artists to each
receive an unrestricted grant and professional development
opportunities
CHICAGO, June 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Walder Foundation today
announced it will award $2.4
million to performing artists through its inaugural
Platform Awards, which support accomplished Chicagoland
mid-career music, theater, dance, and interdisciplinary performance
artists who are enriching the city's creative and civic landscape
through a commitment to honing their craft and meaningful community
engagement. Twelve recipients will receive an unrestricted grant of
$200,000 each paired with ongoing
professional development and networking opportunities, deepening
the Foundation's commitment to building a more equitable and
sustainable cultural sector in Chicago. Walder Foundation has granted
$17 million to performing artists and
performing arts organizations since the Foundation was founded in
2018.
The 2024 Platform Award recipients are: theater artists
Lili-Anne Brown,
Sandra Delgado, and
Myra Su; dance artists
Darrell Jones, Chief Manny
(Brandon Calhoun), Vershawn Sanders-Ward, and Robyn Mineko Williams; music artists
Lisa Kaplan, Sam Thousand,
and Matthew Ulery; and
interdisciplinary artists Brendan
Fernandes and avery r. young.
"The Platform Awards uplift the work of outstanding mid-career
performing artists enabling them to continue to grow and advance
their careers, so that Chicago
remains a thriving destination for the arts for generations to
come," said Elizabeth Walder,
President and Executive Director of Walder Foundation. "As a former
touring musician, I understand the unique challenges facing
performing artists; through the Walder Foundation's Platform
Awards, we can provide the opportunity for performers to explore
their practices and take risks with fewer financial burdens. By
supporting these artists who are enriching their local communities,
we aim to help shape a vibrant arts sector that continues to
contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our city."
In addition to receiving financial support through 2026, the
Platform Award recipients will participate in regular professional
development sessions designed to encourage career growth and
address their pressing needs. Through workshops, talks from guest
speakers, and mentorship, artists will engage with issues such as
finances, retirement planning, marketing and public relations, and
health and wellness.
"By creating this cohort, we are forging a network for ongoing
support and cross-disciplinary collaboration that will have
positive impacts on Chicago's
entire creative community," said Meg
Leary, Senior Program Director, Performing Arts &
Operations. "These Awards address a vital funding gap in our region
to further the work of mid-career performing artists who are
engaging the greater Chicago
community. We are excited to expand the Foundation's impact and
amplify the City's significant contributions to the national and
global performing arts landscape."
Artists were nominated by a group of 80 Chicago-based academics,
field experts, and cultural leaders. Nominations were solicited for
applicants who, in addition to their artistic accomplishments,
incorporate community engagement as part of their artistic
practice. Selected grantees reflect the city of Chicago across neighborhood, race, ethnicity,
age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and artistic practice and
tradition.
Applications were reviewed and semifinalists were chosen by a
national panel of established practicing artists who specialize in
one or more performing arts disciplines and are based outside of
the Chicago region. National
panelists included: theater artists Sharon
Bridgforth, Mary Kathryn
Nagle, and Rosalba Rolón; dance artists Faye Driscoll, Bebe
Miller, and Aparna Ramaswamy;
music artists Jonathan Bailey
Holland, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and Shara Nova; and interdisciplinary focus artists
Ann Carlson and Miya Masaoka.
A local panel then reviewed and selected a group of 20
finalists. Local panelists included: theater artist Dean Corrin; dance artists Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell and Reggio
McLaughlin; music artists Mei-Ann
Chen and Juan Díes; and interdisciplinary focus artists Dr.
Mónica Félix and Lin Hixson.
Ultimately, the 12 Platform Award recipients were selected by
Walder Foundation leadership and advisors, and the eight finalists
each received a one-time grant of $5,000. The Platform Awards is a triennial grant
program, and finalists will be automatically re-nominated for the
next application cycle in 2026, provided they continue to meet the
eligibility criteria.
For more information on the Platform Awards and Walder
Foundation's performing arts funding, visit the Platform Awards
website and the Walder Foundation site.
About the Walder Foundation
The Walder Foundation was established by Joseph and Elizabeth Walder to address critical
issues impacting our world. The Foundation champions Chicago through five areas of focus: science
innovation, environmental sustainability, the performing arts,
migration and immigrant communities, and Jewish life.
About the Walder Foundation's Performing
Arts Program
The Walder Foundation's Performing Arts program
supports working artists and cultural laborers' ability to thrive
within an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant performing arts
sector that provides them ample opportunities for growth and
advancement, both in their art and in their lives.
Media contacts:
Aliyah Armstrong / Laurie Kamens / Josh
Balber
Resnicow and Associates
379439@email4pr.com
212-671-5179 / 212-671-5178 / 212-671-5175
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SOURCE Walder Foundation