Knight Foundation recognizes innovators in arts
By Christina Mayo / Special to The Miami Herald
A diverse group of innovators will go to the next round in the Knight Arts Challenge Miami. The annual contest of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation aims to bring South Florida together through the arts.
The 57 finalists are predominantly individual artists and small artist-led organizations in communities from Homestead to Hialeah and north to Palm Beach County.
“This year’s finalists have proved that South Florida’s creativity is limitless,” said Dennis Scholl, the Knight Foundation’s vice president/arts.
For the first time, the public will have a say in who receives funding. In the fall, the public will be invited to vote for the new People’s Choice Award, via text message, for one of several up-and-coming cultural organizations. The winner will receive $20,000 in support.
“Much of this community’s exciting art is happening at the ground level. The People’s Choice Award will help bring attention to emerging groups while engaging the public in innovative arts ideas,” said Matt Haggman, Miami program director for Knight Foundation.
This is the fifth year of the Knight Arts Challenge, which offers $20 million over five years in matching grant money to the best ideas that help weave the arts into the community. To see a full list of the finalists and for more information on the Foundation, visit www.knightarts.org.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation “supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts.” The winners will be announced in December.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.