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The TransCultural Exchange, a non-profit organization founded and directed by Fine Arts Department part-time faculty member Mary Sherman ’80, has been awarded a $25,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant.
The Boston-based organization’s mission is to foster a greater understanding of world cultures through artist exchanges, large-scale global projects and educational programming, notably biennial “Conferences on International Opportunities in the Arts.”
“We are very honored to receive this funding,” Sherman said. “Our conferences are targeted specifically to practicing artists with the aim of ensuring that American artists continue to have a presence around the globe.”
The NEA “Art Works” grant will be used to upgrade the organization’s website and raise awareness about its conferences. The events promote American art and artistic exchanges worldwide, convening hundreds of artists, residency directors, curators, critics, grant makers, funders and gallerists – professionals who support engagement with international peers.
Sherman notes that more than half of the conference attendees cite tangible outcomes from their participation, such as exhibits abroad, invitations to residency programs or successful grant applications.
An artist and curator, Sherman has received numerous grants and awards. Her works, which push the definition of painting into the realm of space and sound, have been exhibited both nationally and internationally.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States,” NEA Acting Chair Joan Shigekawa of the Art Works grants, which support exemplary projects in artistic disciplines and fields. “[They] contribute to vibrant communities and memorable opportunities for the public to engage with the arts.”
For information on the TransCultural Exchange, and the speakers and schedule for the upcoming October conference, see www.transculturalexchange.org.