The Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State today announced it has been awarded $30,000 from The John R. Oishei Foundation to fund the second year in a two-year pilot project to increase support to living artists in Western New York.
The grant will continue to foster and support living artists of all backgrounds practicing wide-ranging media. In addition to helping creative and cultural professionals, the project strengthens Western New York's reputation nationally and internationally as a significant, inclusive and broadly recognized cultural destination. Plans are to increase representation of artists exhibited at the Burchfield Penney to approximately 65 percent by 2020.
“This grant will help us do more meaningful work to support regional art and artists over time.” said Burchfield Penney executive director Dennis Kois. “An investment in innovative programming, spaces to create and display, professional development, documentation and other art-related opportunities enhances quality of life while stimulating economic growth. We thank The John R. Oishei Foundation for its partnership in the ongoing expansion of this innovative, visionary project.”
About the John R. Oishei Foundation
The John R. Oishei Foundation enhances the economic vitality and quality of life for the Buffalo Niagara region through grantmaking, leadership and network building. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation.