Since 2001, the Arts & Science Council has presented the McColl Award for the commission of a new creative work. Established to honor the significant role played by Hugh McColl Jr. and his wife Jane in advancing the arts around Mecklenburg County, the $25,000 award augments the Arts & Science Council’s commitment to the creative process.
In previous years, only organizations and institutions could apply but this year, the ASC extended the grant opportunity to individual artists. Seventeen applications were received in total – about half of them from individuals.
The Center is pleased to announce that the 2011 McColl Award was awarded to our alumni artist, John W. Love, Jr. We are ecstatic for his success in achieving such a great accomplishment and wish him continued success!
The funding will support FECUND, a multi-disciplinary event that includes a performance, a gallery exhibition, web initiatives and workshops. In FECUND, each component draws off the other and brings to life the imaginary universe of the characters in the performance piece.
In a recent interview with QCity Metro, John addresses what winning the grant means to him. "First of all, this is the largest grant monetarily that a person in Charlotte, and maybe in the state, can receive. Being the first individual artist to receive the grant, that’s a lovely thing, coupled with the fact that my work is known for not being easy. It’s known for not being safe. The fact that the Arts & Science Council is enthusiastic around supporting an artist who has the kind of vision that I have, as far as I’m concerned, that gives them major mac-daddy status. So, I’m thrilled, further encouraged, a whole host of things, a host of emotions."
Image Credit: Willamor Media