2021 Spirit OF Philanthropy AWARDS
The West Virginia Spirit of Philanthropy Awards , presented by Philanthropy West Virginia , have recognized the philanthropic efforts of private individuals , collaborative community and regional projects , professional foundation leaders and corporate giving programs for the past 14 years .
The 2021 recipients will be recognized at a reception in October and honored with a grant made in their name or anonymously to the charity of their choice . West Virginia Executive is proud to help congratulate the 2021 Spirit of Philanthropy Award winners .
2021 Spirit of Philanthropy Critical Impact Award Charleston Creativity Connections
By Natalia Anastasovski
In 2017 , The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation ( TGKVF ) began a discussion amongst Charleston ’ s local artists , business leaders , government and community groups to examine the relationship between the city ’ s art scene and local businesses . Stemming from this meeting , small groups of volunteers from multiple facets of the community formed The Charleston Creative Placemaking Council with the goal of better integrating local artists with the businesses and community surrounding them .
TGKVF and the council asked themselves how local artists and businesses could benefit one another , how they could make sure local artists thrived and in what ways the community could become more involved in the art scene . In August 2020 , after years of working to build funding and support , TGKVF launched the Charleston Creativity Connections initiative as an effort to encourage and support small businesses and local artists in collaborating and creating paid opportunities . Charleston Creativity Connections has since gone on to be an incredibly successful , thriving project that has brought collaboration , self-expression and hope to many during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond .
Within the year since its launch , Charleston Creativity Connections has hosted a multitude of events , launched a minigrant program for artists impacted by the pandemic , brokered a $ 14,700 commission between Kroger and local artists and , most recently , received the 2021 Spirit of Philanthropy Critical Impact Award .
Sue Sergi , president of the Charles & Mary Fayne Glotfelty Foundation — one of the many foundations working with Charleston Creativity Connections — nominated the initiative for the award .
“ I ’ ve been delighted with the level of cooperation and collaboration that ’ s been obtained by bringing artists and businesspeople together ,” she says . “ We wanted to make Charleston the best small city for artists to live and work , and I think we have done quite a bit .”
A city with a thriving art scene has been proven to be a city with a thriving community , and by recognizing local artists during the devastating blow of the pandemic through its minigrant program , Charleston Creativity Connections was able to keep optimism around the art community alive .
“ We also hope that , through our mini-grant program , new art-focused projects will improve our community for everyone and inspire others to create and experience first-hand how art can improve our community ,” says Bryan Cooper , creativity connector for Charleston Creativity Connections .
The funds needed for the mini-grant program came largely from community and family foundations , private donors and corporate funders , and within its first year , the initiative funded 20 projects .
In addition to the grants , Charleston Creativity Connections ’ events have been an enriching addition for both local artists and the community . With most of its events being held virtually thus far , the organization recently began hosting outdoor events , including Art on the Street , which gives community members the chance to collaborate with local artists by completing a painting in progress . After community contributions , these paintings are finished by the original artist and sold at a local gallery with the artist keeping 100 % of the profits .
Creating a space where artists can be involved in the community and support themselves financially is a large goal of Charleston Creativity Connections . Moving forward , the organization strives to delve into all aspects of the arts , from culinary classes to live performances to a co-op art space for artists to create , exhibit , rehearse , perform and interact .
“ I hope that through this award people will become more aware of the impact artists have on our communities ,” says Cooper . “ I hope others will see that with a little help , artists and art projects can thrive and improve our community in many ways .”
Photo by Bryan Cooper .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE