The nonprofit is among 20 inaugural recipients of the bank’s national Market Impact Fund program.
Lawrence Arts Center has received a $50,000 grant from U.S. Bank to fund and expand its Hang12 program for the next three school years. Hang12 is a curatorial board of high school students in Lawrence who create monthly gallery shows for Final Fridays exhibitions. The grant will allow the program to expand from 16 to up to 26 students annually.
The grant is part of U.S. Bank’s new annual $1 million Market Impact Fund that supports organizations focused on economic development in the areas of workforce preparation, affordable housing and arts and culture. In addition to Lawrence Arts Center, Women’s Employment Network in Kansas City is among the 20 inaugural grant recipients.
“Establishing this new fund allows us to further focus our efforts on supporting those organizations which are working to close historical economic gaps in the areas of greatest need,” said U.S. Bank Lawrence Market President Brad Burnside. “Our communities are stronger when people have jobs, stable housing and when their communities are connected through the arts, recreation and play. Our goal is to give larger grants to create meaningful local impact working with and through market leaders and nonprofit organizations who know their communities the best.”
Lawrence Arts Center has been a staple of the community since its founding in 1975, focusing on its mission to create meaningful arts experiences through education, exhibitions, and performances. Through the Hang12 program, the organization provides opportunities for students to both express their creativity and learn entrepreneurial skills, such as budgeting, marketing, grant writing, web development, applied mathematics, curation and public relations.
“The Hang12 program gives high school students real-life, hands-on curatorial experience,” said Alicia Kelly, program facilitator at Lawrence Arts Center. “The members work with visiting artists from all media, collaborations with high school programs, local businesses and galleries. I am consistently impressed with the hard work and level of communication and dedication these students have towards creating a professional art show and presentation.”
Student Charlie Smith, who is in the foundations department of Hang12, added, “Hang12 has taught me managing skills and accountability. Transitioning from admissions where I would take care of incoming and outgoing art to the treasury side of the art show process has helped develop my mathematical skills. My communication skills, self-esteem, and a sense of awareness of the world has come to light because of Hang12.”
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Contact
Pat Swanson, U.S. Bank
651.587.3590, patrick.swanson@usbank.com
