Gilchrist Support the Arts Across Siouxland
Art is a natural extension of our lives. It enhances our surroundings, speaks to our emotions, tells us a story, lets us express ourselves and much more. Making art accessible to everyone in the community is the mission of several art-focused nonprofit organizations across Siouxland. It’s an important goal that can positively impact both adults and kids. Learning about art, i.e., art education, can positively impact a student’s motivation and attitude. According to Americans for the Arts, increasing access and involvement in arts education encourages students to stay in school and succeed in school, work and life.
Jocelyn Gilchrist, the founder of the Foundation, loved the arts and frequently visited the Chicago Art Institute throughout her life. That’s why the Foundation supports local organizations that promote music, art and theater and educate the community about their benefits. Every year, the Gilchrist Foundation awards more than a million dollars in grants to charities whose missions and interests match those of the Foundation including the arts but also public broadcasting, wildlife and conversation and disaster relief.
Below are just a couple of the grants that the Gilchrist Foundation awarded to organizations dedicated to educating about and sharing the arts in 2021.
Art Center Association of Sioux City - $32,700. The Foundation awarded the Art Center Association of Sioux City a $32,700 project grant for ArtSplash. The festival, held annually on Labor Day weekend, showcases exhibiting artists, music, food and a kid zone. In 2021, the festival moved downtown to the Art Center Campus at 225 Nebraska Street. The Art Center’s Atrium and galleries and the studios of the Gilchrist Learning Center were utilized for the festival. This year marks the 28th annual event and it will once again be held downtown at the Art Center campus on Sept. 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Norfolk Arts Center - $50,000. The Gilchrist Foundation awarded the Norfolk Arts Center a $50,000 endowment grant for its endowment campaign. The Norfolk Arts Center endowment fund ensures the arts will continue to grow in the community for generations to come. The fund helps connect area schools and artists as well as funding the center’s mission of bringing people and the arts together.
Le Mars Arts Council - $2, 864. The Gilchrist Foundation awarded the Le Mars Arts Council a $2,864 micro-grant for upgrades to the technology and security at the Le Mars Arts Center. The arts center provides classes and events and showcases exhibits in its historical building, a former Carnegie Library at 200 Central Ave., SE in Le Mars, Iowa. On Sept. 16-18, the Le Mars Arts Center is hosting a three-day Plein Air Painting Workshop with award-winning artist Richard Russell Sneary.
Sculpt Siouxland - $24,000. Sculpt Siouxland is a private, nonprofit organization that brings sculptures from throughout the upper Midwest to Sioux City. The Gilchrist Foundation is its primary sponsor and awarded Sculpt Siouxland a $24,000 project grant in 2021 to continue its mission. Sculpt Siouxland has managed to put 19 sculptures on permanent display in Sioux City and another seven that are on display until June 2023. Sculpt Siouxland is made up of community leaders who are dedicated to engaging and educating the public on the potential of art in public spaces.
Siouxland Artists Inc. - $5,000. In 2021, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded a $5,000 micro-grant to Siouxland Artists Inc. for an artist workshop by Kathleen Conover. Siouxland Artists is a member organization made up of artists from the tri-state area who are interested in showcasing their art, encouraging other’s artistic growth, learning from each other, participating in community art events and exposing other members to regional artists, new art forms, styles and techniques.
About the Gilchrist Foundation
The mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to carry out the philanthropy established by the Gilchrist family. The emphasis is on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplying short-term operating funds. The Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Interests considered for funding include: Wildlife & Conservation, Arts & Public Broadcasting and Disaster Relief.
Contact us with any questions about the Foundation and how we support the arts in Siouxland.