FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Tory Parker
tparker@fundforthearts.org
Fund for the Arts Announces Recipients of the 2024 Arts Leadership Grant
LOUISVILLE, KY (Oct 17, 2024) — Fund for the Arts is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Arts Leadership Grant, supported by the Allan Cowen Innovation Fund for the Advancement of the Arts at the Community Foundation of Louisville, administered by the Fund for the Arts.
This year’s recipients include:
- Hannah L. Drake, Chief Creative Officer, and Josh Miller, Chief Executive Officer of IDEAS xLab — $7500
- Andrew D. Harris, Producing Artistic Director of StageOne Family Theatre — $7500
The Arts Leadership Grant fosters creative intellectual exploration in the pursuit of arts leadership and organizational evolution. Recipients are determined by the application scoring and input from the review panel for the Fund for the Arts’ Sustaining Impact Grant, which includes Fund for the Arts Community Investment & Support, Finance, and Equity Board Committees and representatives from United Arts Funds and Local Arts Agencies outside of the region.
The Allan Cowen Innovation Fund provides funding for Greater Louisville arts leaders to take a unique path in defining the vision and future for their institution, their work, and the arts sector in Greater Louisville.
“Leadership is about igniting something in others, inspiring people to believe in the impossible, encouraging others to step into their destiny. A great leader leaves footprints and breadcrumbs for those coming behind them. At the site of (Un)Known Project’s In Our Elders Footprints art installation is a quote by Maya Angelou, “I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand.” I do not lead by myself. I lead with the spirit of my ancestors like Hannah Lorick and Eliza Miller both of whom were born into enslavement. Their resilience during unimaginable adversity is one of the reasons I am here today. I stand on the shoulders of so many women who dared to believe that this world could be different, better, just. I am working to build my shoulders strong enough for others to stand on mine someday.” – Hannah L. Drake
“Now, more than ever, we are called to redefine what it means to be a leader in the arts, and our role in fostering environments rooted in collaboration, liberation, and wellbeing, where creativity and equity can flourish side by side. Together, we have the responsibility to imagine bold new futures and to co-create them with our teams and communities grounded in a commitment to transforming not just our organizations, but the world around us through art. I am grateful that my journey has included leaders who showed me the potential of artists in leadership roles across sectors and supported me as I uncovered my queerness as a nonprofit CEO. My hope is that the foundation we are laying now can support and inspire the next generation of leaders in the arts and beyond.” – Josh Miller
“I have a quote from Peter Pan by J.M. Barris hanging next to my desk that states “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever being able to do so”. This quote has been a guiding star for me throughout my career. As the head on arts organization, I strive to be servant leader. I believe it is my job to prioritize the development and success of my team. It is my job to ensure that they have the tools they need, and to nurture an environment in which together we can innovate, inspire, and use our creativity to bring about positive change both for ourselves and most importantly for the people that we serve. As an arts leader I believe that it is my job to make sure that no one forgets that they can fly!” – Andrew D. Harris
Established through a generous gift by the Bertram Klein Family, the award is given annually in honor of Allan Cowen’s 37 years of service to the arts. “Innovation and self-exploration are cornerstones of the journey to greatness. I am honored to help recognize these three innovators,” said Allan Cowen.
“In challenging times, bold and innovative leadership becomes a necessity,” said Fund for the Arts President and CEO Andre Kimo Stone Guess. “Hannah, Josh, and Andrew have all shown remarkable dedication and creativity in service of their organizations and their communities. My hope is this Arts Leadership Grant allows them a chance to explore opportunities that will not only enhance them as leaders but will also benefit their organizations and the communities they serve.”
About Fund for the Arts
Fund for the Arts is a regional nonprofit with the mission to contribute to the overall health and well-being of our community by generating resources for, investing in, and supporting our local arts, artists, and arts organizations. The Fund envisions a healthy and vibrant community where everyone embraces the art that exists in our lives every day, everyone contributes to the well-being of our arts community, and it is understood that everyone belongs to the arts community. The organization facilitates the largest arts grant program in Kentucky and it conducts one of the two oldest united arts campaigns in the country. For more information, visit www.fundforthearts.org
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