Stephanie Boateng, from left Hannah Whiddon and Guy Miller will receive $10,000 and two years of training to help grow their careers. Photo by Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography
Two young painters and a sculptor have been selected to participate in a new Delaware Division of the Arts career development program.
Stephanie Boateng, a painter in New Castle County; Guy Miller, a sculptor in Kent County; and Hannah Whiddon, a painter in Sussex County, will receive two two years of sustained career support in the Artist Career Development program.
The three artists will be given $10,000 each program year to advance their artistic and business practices, and to build community connections.
In year two, the three artists will continue growing their businesses while planning and executing an arts activity for a community in the artist’s county of residence, in partnership with an arts or community-based organization.
They were chosen from 47 applicants who included musicians, writers and visual artists.
Four semifinalists have received $1,500 to support professional development expenses including, but not limited to equipment, materials and supplies, professional development, space rental, marketing, and publicity of events/activities.
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“It didn’t hit me until now how deeply the Division is investing in me and my career,” said Whiddon of Lewes.
She draws inspiration from the beauty inherent in everyday life and the human form.
“The headshots and the various career-focused workshops all support my growth as an emerging artist,” she said.
The career development program was created to expand the geographic reach of funded programming and to enhance artists’ career-building skills through training opportunities and new connections with other artists and arts organizations.
“This initiative represents a tremendous opportunity for emerging artists to receive increased funding and jump-start the next phase of their careers as creative entrepreneurs,” said Jessica Ball, director of the Division of the Arts. “By supporting their artistic and business practices, we aim to empower these talented individuals to realize their full potential and make a significant impact on the cultural scene in our state.”
Betsy Price is a Wilmington freelance writer who has 40 years of experience, including 15 at The News Journal in Delaware.
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