NH State Council on the Arts announces Artist-led Project Grant awardees

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts has announced that fifteen New Hampshire artists have been awarded funds through its Artist-led Project Grant program.

A one-time, temporary opportunity, funding for the Artist-led Project Grant program was provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds administered by the National Endowment for the Arts. 

The grants will provide funds that connect New Hampshire to local initiatives. Funded projects include support for a weekly singing workshop for seniors, a community canvas mural program, multi-generational social dances, the creation of a sculpture for the Abenaki Trails project and more.

The Artist-led Project Grant program was specifically designed to support long-term employment opportunities for artists impacted by COVID-19 by building new structures and partnerships that will help to sustain New Hampshire’s creative sector while fostering healthy communities.

Applicants were able to request grants ranging from $1,000-6,000, with no matching funds required. Projects receiving funding must be completed by Oct. 31, 2022.

Artists receiving Artist-led Project Grants are:

-    Randy Armstrong, music; Barrington
-    Maserai Bah, multi-disciplinary; Manchester
-    Jessica Bartlett, orchestral music; Campton
-    James Chase, painting; Hooksett
-    Angelynne Hinson, choral music; Portsmouth
-    Carol Lake, visual arts; Canterbury
-    Alyssa Pine, painting; Hampton
-    Jacqueline Laufman, folk/traditional dance; Canterbury
-    Marcelle Pope, visual arts; Francestown
-    Melissa Richmond, music; Claremont
-    Zaray Rodriguez, solo/recital music; Epping
-    Adam Schepker, sculpture; Harrisville
-    Ellen Smith Ahern, dance; Lebanon
-    Gemma Soldati, theatre; Somersworth
-    Tj Wheeler, music; Hampton Falls

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, a division of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, enhances the quality of life in New Hampshire by stimulating economic growth through the arts, investing in the creativity of students, making the arts accessible to underserved populations and preserving heritage arts. Learn more about the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts at nh.gov/nharts.

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