FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL OF THE ARTS
Press Release
Contact: Liz Young
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 305-295-4369
09/01/2020

Florida Keys Council of the Arts Awards $53,000 in Emergency Relief Grants to Local Artists through Audubon House Relief Fund

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts (FKCA), the local arts agency for all of Monroe County, is proud to
announce that it has awarded $53,000 in Emergency Artist Relief Grants to 112 Local Artists through generous contributions from the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation, and the Emma Starr “Under One Roof” project, as well as private donations. These grants were awarded to local artists affected by the Covid -19 pandemic.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation, which immediately created the Audubon House Artist Fund to specifically assist local artists in need. Through this fund, the Arts Council was able to award $45,500 to 97 local artists throughout Monroe County.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Emma Starr for creating the “Under One Roof” project, which featured several local artists who donated proceeds from their artwork to help other, fellow artists in need. Through the additional funds raised through this effort, the Arts Council was able to award over $7400 to 16 more artists in need, through the Audubon House Artist Relief Project. We also would like to thank many individual donors who also contributed to the relief project.

Our local art industry improves the quality of life for residents and visitors. It enhances local economic development and provides nearly 2,000 jobs in the Florida Keys. As the designated local arts agency, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts supports all the arts and artists throughout Monroe County. We awardgrants to artists to teach art, music, theater and dance in our schools, and direct grants to artists and art organizations for their special projects and programs. This way, we help to bring arts and culture to all age levels and support community engagement for our locals and visitors alike, as we support that Art builds Community.

Thank you to the following artists for their donations: Rebecca Bennett, Rhonda Bristol, Bree Ann Buckley, Mary Jean Connors, Susann D’Antonio, Sarah Plaia Davidson, Michel Delgado, Margo Ellis, Annamarie Giordano, Eric Grahl, Karen Greenfield, Helen Harrison & Michelle Gilley, Mark Hedden, Elio Hinds, Pam Hobbs, Adam Russell, Vivien Segel, Reen Stanhouse, Karen Wray, Cindy Wynn, Lothar Speer & R.M. Walter.

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