The Woodlands Arts Council and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion team up for big arts impact in Montgomery County

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- In 2023 The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) received a call from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. They learned about the impact The Council was making with microgrants and wondered if they could take part in funding some performing arts projects. With demand for funds growing this proposed partnership enabled TWAC to double the program's impact last year.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion awarded 10 performing arts grants for a total of $42,655 in funding. This freed The Woodlands Arts Council Because Art Matters committee to fund 15 Dr. David Gottlieb Education & Artist grants to the tune of $41,533. Combined these local non-profits put $84,188 to work in Montgomery County.

On a September morning staff & board members from The Woodlands Arts Council and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion arrived at Wilkerson Intermediate to meet with two teachers who received grant monies from both non-profits. Karen Etue received a Dr. David Gottlieb Education grant for $880 to facilitate a climate change sea glass project and Maggie McInnis received a Performing Arts Microgrant in partnership with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for $3,900 to purchase Ukuleles for the music program.

“Part of The Pavilion’s mission is to provide support to those with a passion for the fine arts in and around our community and are excited to continue this partnership with The Woodlands Arts Council to expand grant initiatives,” said Jeff Young, President and CEO of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. “Funding these ukuleles and being able to witness firsthand the impact on students as they learned to play really empowered us and we look forward to providing more opportunities that ensure all students have the opportunity to experience the power of the arts.”

The Woodlands Arts Council Microgrant Program application is open from September 5 - October 4, 2024. You can learn more about eligibility and submission requirements here: https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/programs/microgrants

“The Wilkerson Intermediate Ukuleles project, in partnership with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, gave students the chance to experience the joy of playing a string instrument, learning chords, and creating music. Similarly, the Climate Change Sea Glass art project allowed students to explore various mediums and create a beautiful, unique piece of art.” said Nancy Charbonneau, TWAC Board Secretary and Chair of the Because Art Matters Committee. “Meeting the educators and seeing how these microgrants bring the arts to life in our schools was truly inspiring, and a great reminder of how impactful this program is.”

Explore all the ways The Woodlands Arts Council is making art matter in Montgomery County: https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/programs

Pictured from left to right - Glen Rector - TWAC Board President, Cameron Klepac - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Director of Marketing and Education, Joan Dieden - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Development and Volunteer Manager, Connie Horton - Wilkerson Intermediate Principal, Bob Horton - CISD Director of Fine Arts, Maggie McInnis - Wilkerson Intermediate Choir Teacher, Dr. Lisa Davis - CISD Fine Arts Specialist, Jeff Young - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion President and CEO, Karen Etue - Wilkerson Intermediate Art Teacher, Nancy Charbonneau - TWAC Board Secretary and BAM Chair, Ashley Gravois - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Marketing and Education Manager