Honored to Be a St. Petersburg Arts Alliance Grant Recipient
I am thrilled to share that I have been selected as a 2024 Individual Artist Grant recipient by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA). This incredible opportunity allows me to pursue a project that is very close to my heart: Hoops for Hope, a community mural initiative combining basketball and art to bring empowerment, unity, and creativity to underserved youth in St. Petersburg.
What This Grant Means to Me
Receiving this grant is not just a recognition of my work as an artist but a validation of my belief that art can drive meaningful change in communities. With the support of the St. Pete Arts Alliance, Hoops for Hope will transform a local basketball court into a vibrant, inclusive space that engages local youth in the creative process. By partnering with organizations like the Pace Center for Girls and other community groups, we aim to empower at-promise youth and foster pride in their surroundings.
Why Hoops for Hope Matters
Hoops for Hope is more than just a mural—it’s a celebration of community, collaboration, and the transformative power of art. Through this project, I’ll be working closely with volunteers and local youth to co-create a mural that reflects their values, aspirations, and the spirit of unity. By integrating art and basketball, we hope to inspire these young individuals to express themselves, connect with their community, and see the value in both creativity and teamwork.
How You Can Support
While the St. Pete Arts Alliance grant provides critical funding to launch this project, we are actively seeking additional support to make it even more impactful. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
• Donate: Your contribution will help cover costs for materials, workshops, and community events.
• Become a Sponsor: Partner with us as an official sponsor and gain recognition on all event materials and social media, as well as at the mural unveiling.
• Get Involved: Join us for community paint days and help make this vision come to life.
Looking Ahead
I am deeply grateful to the St. Pete Arts Alliance for believing in this project and in the potential of art to inspire change. Through Hoops for Hope, I hope to create a lasting impact on our local community, one brushstroke at a time. Stay tuned for updates on the project’s progress, upcoming events, and ways to get involved!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more about this exciting project soon.
About St. Pete Arts Alliance:
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the arts in St. Petersburg, enhancing the cultural landscape of the city through grants, programs, and partnerships.
