((Utica, NY \u2013 Feb. 14, 2013) Sculpture Space, an international artist-in-residency program for professional artists located in Utica is thrilled to announce it was recently selected as a finalist in a prestigious grant competition being offered by ArtPlace,\u00a0a collaboration of 13 leading national and regional foundations and six of the nation\u2019s largest banks.<\/p>\n
The ArtPlace grant competition is\u00a0an initiative to accelerate creative placemaking across the U.S. by providing grants to organizations with the potential to transform their communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are truly honored to be selected by such an esteemed group and be named a finalist among such a prestigious cohort. \u00a0Just as much as we are looking forward to expanding Sculpture Space\u2019s vision, we are also continually mindful and thankful for the generous support of our community and the chance to build on past accomplishments that has made it possible for us to be considered for this amazing opportunity\u201d said Monika Burczyk, Executive Director of Sculpture Space.<\/p>\n
ArtPlace\u00a0received 1,225 grant applications and has narrowed the list down to the best 105 among them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this third ArtPlace funding cycle, the proposals just keep getting stronger,\u201d noted Carol Coletta, director of ArtPlace. \u201cIt is testimony to the growing interest in creative placemaking across the country, as well as the capability of artists and their community partners to do this work.\u201d<\/p>\n
ArtPlace will announce final grant awards in May 2013. If selected, the award will enable Sculpture Space to make significant capital improvements to its studio, build a much needed public event\/exhibition space and work with local and regional officials to develop an urban sculpture garden adding vibrancy to the community and its immediate neighborhood, while creating a dynamic connection between key art and historic landmarks.<\/p>\n