RACVB, Rockford Area Arts Council and Rockford Art Deli’s Micro-Grants to Help Fund Videography, Music Education, Live Performance and Online/Distance Learning Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2020

Rockford, IL – As an extension of a partnership with Rockford Art Deli’s #HereForGoodRKFD campaign, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) and Rockford Area Arts Council (RAAC) are excited to jointly announce the inaugural five recipients of the Our Journey Micro-Grant, which was developed in partnership to benefit local artists and arts organizations in driving excellent project work in Winnebago County. Seeded by the sales of Rockford-themed masks and t-shirts, $2,200 of Our Journey Micro-Grants will be awarded to support videography, music education, live performance, and online and distance learning programs.

The first five Our Journey Micro-Grant recipients include:

  • Children’s Theater Project for supporting its online theater experience for children
  • Music Academy of Rockford for music lessons and musical instrument refurbishment for an area youth resident
  • Rockford Art Museum for collaborating with the Neighborhood Network Program to develop a distance learning, art-making program for at-risk youth
  • Roni Golan’s Gallery for developing a space to host puppet performances
  • Sounds of Good News Productions for videography work of a musical production

“Leaning on their creativity, our local artists and arts organizations have helped us navigate a very difficult last few months,” said John Groh, RACVB president/CEO. “When we established the Our Journey Micro-Grant Program, we wanted to be able to give back to our local art scene. We’re thankful to be able to do that with this first round of grants, and can’t wait to see the great work that these five organizations will produce for our community.”

Launched in early May, the Our Journey Micro-Grant Program is designed to benefit artists and art organizations by awarding funding allocations of up to $500 for artistic endeavors throughout the Rockford region. Applicants should be creative, demonstrate love for Winnebago County, and celebrate all our community has to offer as we recover from the impact of COVID-19. The second round of grant applications are due by Friday, July 10. For more information, visit www.GoRockford.com/OurJourney.

“Thanks to the great work of organizations like the Rockford Art Deli and the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, we’re thrilled to share such encouraging news with the community,” said Mary McNamara Bernsten, executive director of the Rockford Area Arts Council. “The Arts Council is so proud to be apart of creative solutions for the Rockford region—this is yet another example of how we are stronger together.”

Masks remain available for sale at www.GoRockford.com/OurJourney.

 

About RAAC: The Rockford Area Arts Council exists to support, promote, and develop access to the arts for everyone. We are the collective voice of individual artists and arts organizations. We believe in the transformative power of the arts and its ability to set the tone for a city’s creative and cultural infrastructure. www.artsforeveryone.com

About RACVB: RACVB is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, RACVB strengthens the economic position of the region and provides opportunities for people in our communities. www.gorockford.com 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Nick Povalitis, RACVB vice president of marketing & sports development, 815.489.1652, npovalitis@gorockford.com.