Walton Arts Center receives grant from National Endowment of the Arts

Walton Arts Center has received a $15,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for the programming of the 2013 Artosphere Arts + Nature Festival.

Walton Arts Center is one of 832 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. The awards total $22.3 million, span 13 artistic disciplines and fields and focus primarily on the creation of work and the presentation of both new and existing works for the benefit of American audiences. Applications were reviewed by panels of outside experts convened by NEA staff and each project was judged on its artistic excellence and artistic merit.

"I'm proud to announce these 832 grants to the American public, including Walton Arts Center’s Artosphere Festival," said NEA Chairman, Rocco Landesman. “These projects offer extraordinary examples of creativity in our country, including the creation of new work, innovative ways of engaging audiences, and exemplary education programs."

Artosphere's mission is to celebrate artists, influenced by nature, who inspire us to live more sustainable lives. In its fourth season, Artosphere spans two months and features the Artosphere Festival Orchestra under the baton of Corrado Rovaris, the signature Trail Mix Concert Tours, children’s theater, puppetry, modern dance, visual arts installations and more.

Jenni Taylor-Swain, vice president of programming at Walton Arts Center says, “Artosphere provides thousands of students, families and the community more than 50 unique arts and nature experiences presented all over Northwest Arkansas. “We are so grateful for this NEA grant because it will allow us to offer Artosphere Festival activities free or at low cost so more people can experience innovative programming that explores nature and sustainability.”