Each month we feature arts and community-based organizations and their programs and projects funded by the Delaware Division of the Arts in our Arts Spotlight which will be included on our monthly e-newsletter, Arts E-News and online. If you haven’t signed up yet for Arts E-News, please do so here.

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 (1999 to present), please visit our Grants Awarded page.

Grant Types: GOS – General Operating Support; PS – Project Support

 

October 2022

 

Plastic Free Delaware
Wild and Scenic Film Fest School Program
Wilmington
PS

In order to improve the health and welfare of animals, humans, our communities and our environment, Plastic Free Delaware aims to eliminate the scourge of plastic pollution and to build a culture of zero waste in Delaware through educational programs, awareness building, and policy initiatives. Since being founded in 2010 with a focus on addressing single-use plastic bags, Plastic Free Delaware’s (PFD) expanded mission has grown into seeking to eliminate the scourge of plastic pollution and build a culture of zero waste in Delaware through educational programs, awareness building, and policy initiatives, in order to improve the health and welfare of humans, animals, our communities, and our environment.

Over 1000 students, teachers and organizers have viewed the films this year, with the majority being last spring around earth day. While it’s typically for schools, the films have also been screened at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, The Garage Youth Center in Kennett Square, the Brandywine Hundred Library and will be screened at the Lewes Public Library and the Kennett Square Library early next year. We are also talking with local art programs for filmmaking classes, digital design, and other art that inspires activism, etc. Our pilot spring 2022 was a huge success – we met our goal of screening in 10 schools or organizations, and all of the feedback has been positive and hopeful for screening in years to come:

“My favorite thing about the wild and scenic film festival was the wide range of films. Each student found something that inspired them within at least one of the films. It demonstrated to students that whether they are interested in science, art, music, literature, or sports – they can use their interests to make a difference in helping to preserve and protect our environment.”

To learn more about Plastic Free Delaware, visit: https://plasticfreedelaware.org/home

Mispillion Art League
The 2022 Big Draw Festival Delaware
Milford
GOS

In 2019, the first year Mispillion Art League presented this festival, the theme was “Creativity and Wellbeing” and our aim was to encourage people to participate in art-making and enjoy the benefits of self-expression and creativity using a multitude of mediums. With the successful participation of more than 1800 visitors and residents state-wide, the Festival was unique for the area, garnered state-wide promotion for MAL, and spotlighted Milford and Sussex County as the perfect destination spots.

MAL and other participating arts organizations hosted over 50 classes and workshops, creating interest for almost everyone. A variety of activities and events were co-hosted by the Music School of Delaware in Milford, First State Academy of Dance, Milford Museum, Vinyard Shipyard, Arena’s Deli, Dolce, and Gallery 37. Additionally, MAL teamed with our sponsor, Bayhealth, to provide an Art Cart to patients in their Rehab Center at the Sussex Campus. Participating along with Mispillion Art League were: Downtown Dover Partnership, DAC (Developing Artist Collaboration) in Rehoboth Beach, Gallery 107/Nanticoke River Arts Council, Jerry’s Artarama in Newark, Milton Arts Guild, and Rehoboth Art League.

In 2020 and 2021, The Mispillion Art League developed and distributed 200 Art Kits free to families, full of ideas and starter supplies for projects they could do at home using materials destined to be recycled. In 2020, this was accompanied by educational/fun materials on recycling and conservation from the City of Milford. All print materials produced by Mispillion Art League were bilingual, in English and Spanish. People were invited to help us build a Cardboard City by making buildings, real or imagined structures, with cardboard and recycled materials. Nearly 70 people participated and their structures filled the art league’s gallery.

Now, in 2022, we have planned a full day of FREE, family-friendly art activities for artists and non-artists, families and kids. With the help and cooperation of the City of Milford we are closing Park Avenue (the street alongside Mispillion Art League) and the city will pick up and deliver 8 tons of sand (donated by Pennsy) for sandcastle building. We plan to have a BIG wall of paper for drawing, chalk for sidewalks, painting pumpkins, and more drawing and painting activities to accommodate around 200 children. Approximately 65 volunteers will be involved in the planning and execution of this year’s Festival. The Milford Museum, Farmer’s Market and Milford Library will take part.

To learn more about the Big Draw Festival, visit https://www.mispillionarts.org/big-draw-de/

Wilmington Drama League
Sunday in the Park with George
Wilmington
GOS

The Wilmington Drama League, a nonprofit performing arts center with a focus on diversity, inclusion and youth arts education, provides volunteers with opportunities to use and develop their talents, serve the community and present high-quality theatrical productions. The Wilmington Drama League’s production of Sunday in the Park With George has a very diverse and somewhat non-traditional cast, including artists with varied mobility, gender identification and skill level. WDL strives to build a safe space for artists to create together. This production in particular, and its passionate production team led by director S. Lee Lewis, have worked diligently to further that safe creative space. Adjustments have been to the set dimensions to accommodate for wheelchair accessibility, alternative dressing room spaces have been created and the chance for relatively new performers to learn from a seasoned professional director is invaluable. Art isn’t easy but it is essential to civilization. In this time of conflict and isolation, art of any medium can be a unifying platform. WDL is hoping that art of three mediums combined can be transcendent, and launch our next 90 years.

To learn more about Wilmington Drama League, visit https://www.wilmingtondramaleague.org/

The projects above are supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes these and other Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.

The Division offers a variety of grant programs for individual artists; nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations chartered and based in Delaware; and schools and government entities that support arts activities. View a full list of Division grants on the Grants Overview page.