Charlotte, NC (October 13, 2021) – McColl Center announced that Windgate Foundation has awarded a $3.5 million endowment grant to provide on-going support for the nationally recognized Artist Residency program. Windgate Foundation is based in Little Rock, Arkansas and has established the endowment at Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF).
“Windgate Foundation’s transformative gift will support McColl Center’s flagship residency program and enable us to invest in artists for years to come, while providing vital grounding for our renewed commitment to put artists first,” said Alli Celebron-Brown, President + CEO of McColl Center. “Further, this grant validates the important role residencies play to help artists thrive and to the vitality of the arts in communities where residency programs thrive.”
Windgate Foundation Executive Director Patricia M. Forgy said, “With our long partnership with McColl Center, we have grown to appreciate the leadership and passion of the organization to champion contemporary artists and build community. This gift is an expression of our interest in providing permanent support for artists with the time, space and support needed to grow their creative practices.”
Arkansas Community Foundation is grateful to connect and support organizations like the Windgate Foundation and McColl Center,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Part of our mission is to connect resources that inspire solutions to build community. The Artist Residency Program is a wonderful way to support artists and bring the creative community together in Charlotte.”
A portion of interest earned from the endowment will be granted to McColl Center annually, allowing the organization to plan long-term strategy for programmatic impact and growth for many years to come. The grant comes at a critical time as many arts organizations are deeply affected by the pandemic and working to build long-term financial stability.
The Artist Residency program has been the heart of the nonprofit since its inception in 1999, thanks to the vision of Mr. Hugh L. McColl, Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Bank of America, and several other philanthropists in the Charlotte region. Over the last 22 years, McColl Center has hosted over 450 artists from around the world, offering artists large-scale, private studios, access to communal labs with state-of-the-art equipment, exhibition space, and curatorial and professional support.
About McColl Center
McColl Center is an acclaimed artist residency and contemporary art space in Charlotte, North Carolina, committed to putting artists first with 360 degrees of support, including subsidized artist studios, access to modern equipment and tools, artist entrepreneurship programs, and the opportunity to exhibit and sell work in 5,000 square feet of gallery space. Learn more about McColl Center’s mission, programs, and events for artists and the community at mccollcenter.org.
About Windgate Foundation
Windgate Foundation, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a private, family foundation supporting significant educational programs in contemporary craft and visual arts; K-12 and higher educational institutions for the development and support of the arts, scholarships and effective instructional programs; and programs for economically and socially disadvantaged children in Arkansas. windgatefoundation.org
About Arkansas Community Foundation
Arkansas Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization with over a half billion dollars in assets, fosters smart giving to improve communities. The Community Foundation offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow and direct their charitable dollars as they learn more about community needs. By making grants and sharing knowledge, the Foundation supports existing charitable programs that work for Arkansas and partners to create initiatives that address unmet needs. Since 1976, the Community Foundation has provided more than $314 million in grants and partnered with thousands of Arkansans to help them improve our neighborhoods, our towns and our entire state. Contributions to Arkansas Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 29 affiliates are fully tax deductible.