As we bid farewell to 2023, I'm proud and grateful for an extraordinary year marked by projects and accomplishments that enriched our city and advanced arts advocacy. In collaboration with the City of Fall River, FRACC facilitated compelling murals, including 'Fall River Stays Active' at Britland Park and 'Dad's Home' on the Pearl Street parking garage. FRACC supported local artists with 6 paid apprenticeships and $10,000 in grants to organizations for upcoming mural projects in 2024. Additionally, Fall River and FRACC have been selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies for a $25,000 Asphalt Art Initiative grant. A first for the state, the City is 1 of 25 grant recipients selected from more than 200 applications from across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Through the Ignition Project, backed by a Creative Catalyst Grant, FRACC allocated $25,000 to mini-grants for 10 Fall River visionaries, sponsored 8 free art business workshops, and expanded our footprint, hosting over 400 people at the Ignition Space for for exhibitions, programs, meetings, networking, and more.
FRACC's collaborative efforts led to the successful conclusion of a Business of Art Feasibility Study, gained recognition from Boston Globe and Harvard Magazine, and drew thousands to public events like We HeART Fall River, Open Studios, and Summer Evenings in the Park. We introduced The SouthCoast Creative Arts Lab, a holistic after-school program for 7th and 8th-graders to enhance their artistic skills and foster collaboration.
Reflecting on these achievements, FRACC is ready to carry the spirit of collaboration and creativity into the new year. Your active participation has been the driving force behind our success, and I anticipate another year of inspiring projects.