Spark Impact Update

The Spark campaign has opened numerous growth opportunities for FAB, including a focus on infrastructure support. One highlight is the development of our new website. This resource platform will offer comprehensive information about FAB, our grantees, and arts events. It will also provide members with a long-awaited portal to access important member information, renew memberships, purchase event tickets, and more. We anticipate its launch in mid-September, so stay tuned for that announcement!

In addition, campaign supporters will soon receive the third edition of Spark’s bi-annual impact report by mail. We deeply appreciate your continued support of the arts in Broward. For more information on how to support “Be the Spark” contact Nancy Bryant or Cindy Eden, Campaign co-chairs, or visit FAB online to pledge your support. Cindy Eden, cindymeden@gmail.com and Nancy Bryant, nancy@giantspring.com.

Learn More about "Be the SPARK!" here

A Champion of Arts and Community Engagement, Denise St Patrick-Bell, PhD, is a nonprofit professional, and educator with a deep-rooted passion for the arts and community development. With a background in photography, event curation, and arts education, she has made significant contributions to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment. Her journey in the arts began with establishing an artist collective in the Dominican Republic, collaborating with Haitian artists, and curating impactful art exhibits across the United States and the Caribbean. As an educator, Denise pioneered innovative programs like the OnStage summer program, offering inner-city youth a platform for visual and performing arts expression. Notably, Denise also served as the artistic director and executive director of the Old Dillard Foundation, a historic arts organization celebrating the African Diaspora. She strongly believes in the unifying power of art and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, evident in her successful production of the "Food for Soul" outdoor gospel concert, which brought together diverse artists and audiences for an uplifting communal experience. Denise advocates for greater accessibility and inclusion within the arts community, with a focus on amplifying diverse voices and supporting both established and emerging artists. Her alignment with FAB stems from a shared vision of promoting inclusive programs, nurturing artistic talent, and enriching the cultural landscape of Broward County. With an unwavering commitment to advancing the arts, Dr. St Patrick-Bell envisions FAB as a trailblazing organization, dedicated to fostering creativity, easing cross-cultural dialogues, and establishing a vibrant arts ecosystem in South Florida.

Join us in welcoming Denise to FAB’s Board of Directors. Denise currently co-chairs the Programs Committee with Michael Horswell and is an At Large Member of the Executive Committee. 

Calling all FABulous Artists! It's time to showcase your creativity at FAB’s annual art exhibit event, Art Share. FAB members may submit up to five (5) new works for this exhibition. Art Share will be hosted at the Mad Arts Museum in Dania Beach on November 1, 2024. FAB members’ entry fee has been discounted by 50% this year to $25 per member to participate. Apply below.

Deadline to enter is October 5, 2024. Direct any questions to Kat Sierra, Director of Operations, FAB, by email. Katsierra@fundingartsbroward.org

"Thou Art Woman: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Women and Allies Through Art Thou Art Woman (TAW) 

"Thou Art Woman: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Women and Allies Through Art Thou Art Woman (TAW) is an event series that has been making a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Founded by G. Wright Muir and Nik Harris in 2014, TAW started as a small 'open mic' event and has since evolved into a diverse and impactful platform that celebrates and empowers LGBTQ+ women and allies through performances and visual art.

Thanks to a grant from Funding Arts Broward (FAB), TAW has been able to expand its reach and impact, particularly through its first art exhibition at the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. This collaboration is especially noteworthy as it creates a rare LGBTQ+ affirming space in a mainstream Caribbean setting, challenging cultural barriers and fostering acceptance. The art series, known for its inclusivity and diverse representation, has been pivotal in providing a platform for emerging and professional artists, as well as for community members who may not consider themselves artists but use art as a form of expression. Also, TAW's open mic performance nights have allowed emerging and established artists and audience members to share their talents and stories. TAW's most recent art exhibition, From Rain to Rainbows, marked the series' 10th-anniversary celebration and provided an organic space for thousands of guests to experience the community's stories through art. Thanks to grant funding, most TAW events have been accessible to the community at no cost, ensuring greater equity and access to the arts. Testimonials from volunteers, such as Ashley Parkes, emphasize the meaningful impact of TAW, highlighting the sense of community, support, and empowerment the event series provides. 

Looking ahead, TAW plans to continue its annual art exhibitions and performance events, aiming to further enrich cultural life and provide a platform for diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community. The success of TAW is a testament to the transformative power of art and community, and the ongoing support from organizations like FAB ensures that TAW can continue making a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ women and allies." Stay tuned for 2025 program dates of TAW's FAB Funded Project. 

Learn More About TAW Here