Brooklyn-Based Arts Nonprofit UrbanGlass Announces Newly Instituted Scholarship Fund in Support of Under-Represented Youth Artists
The kick-off contribution of $25,000 by Fred and Susan Sanders will sustain the Studio Futures Scholarship Program and create entry-points for students to explore glassmaking methods in the UrbanGlass studios
New York, July 15, 2022 – UrbanGlass, the largest nonprofit in the country dedicated to making and learning about glass and its creative possibilities, announced today their receipt of a considerable donation of $25,000 in support of creative and accessible learning opportunities for youth artists of marginalized backgrounds. The donation, made by UrbanGlass board member Fred Sanders and his wife Susan Sanders, serves to enhance equity within the contemporary arts movement and provide a platform for skill-building and collaboration for students interested in exploring the materiality of glass.
The UrbanGlass Scholarship Fund will support full scholarship opportunities for New York City students ages 15-24 hailing from backgrounds historically excluded from arts programming and studio practice. Providing workshop access, free studio sessions, and networking alongside professional artists, the Sanders’ family contribution will establish and support a cohort of four award recipients who will explore glassworking methods alongside UrbanGlass educators for a one year period. This cohort will meet throughout the year to share learnings and develop community both with the cohort and surrounding community of creatives.
“Susan and I have been concerned by the small number of BIPOC people within the professional glass community,” said Fred Sanders. “We hope that our gift will provide a meaningful opportunity for BIPOC students to explore the medium at UrbanGlass and, moreover, that this program will serve as a model for other arts organizations to recognize and support talented BIPOC students.”
“Having had the opportunity to partake in UrbanGlass programming, particularly the Scholarship program, introduced me to working with glass as a medium and the wonderful community of creatives who incorporate glass in their practice,” shared artist Layo Bright. “Despite having no prior experience of working with glass, the opportunity provided access to facilities and incredible staff that made it an unforgettable experience for me.”
With continued access to technical and conceptual training, students will develop fundamental skills as it relates to creating with glass, exploration of their respective creative voices, and be encouraged to pursue professional opportunities at both UrbanGlass and within the wider community of New York City contemporary arts and design.
Interested applicants can find more information on this opportunity at this link or contact The UrbanGlass Director of Education Liesl Schubel: liesl@urbanglass.org
Media inquiries should contact Kolette Bodenmiller at kolette@urbanglass.org.
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