The Ana & Adeline Foundation is pleased to announce its 2016 YAYA Alumni Grant recipients, 13 artists awarded grants totaling $58,374 for artist residencies, scholarships, and creative ventures. Dedicated to supporting the emerging YAYA artist community, the Ana & Adeline Foundation complements YAYA’s programs by providing resources to the YAYA artists and alumni to support them in advancing their professional and personal goals as visual artists.

 

The Ana & Adeline Foundation was established in 2011 by Jana Napoli, who also founded the nonprofit teaching design studio YAYA (Young Aspirations/Young Artists). YAYA, now more  than 27 years old, has worked with thousands of young artists in New Orleans. The Foundation offers grants and professional development opportunities to the extensive YAYA community – the young people who are currently active in YAYA programs as well as the alumni who now live across the nation. 

 

The artists receiving the 2016 YAYA Alumni Grants are awarded grants up to $8,000 each toward scholarships, professional development, and creative ventures. Some of the funded activities include participation in a group exhibition on Governor’s Island in New York City, residencies hosted by Diaspora Vibe Cultural  Arts Incubator in Miami, scholarships to Xavier University and Otis College of Art & Design, and start-up funds for an independent designer’s jewelry business. All of the artists receiving grants began their careers as visual artists as teenagers in the YAYA program. The grants support the artists in their adult lives and in preparation to be leaders in their communities.

 

“This foundation was built to support a unique community of artists. The artist’s mind and hand are powerful instruments of change and the 2016 YAYA Alumni Grant is a catalyst for the gifts of the YAYA alumni,” said Jana Napoli. “These artists are models of creative commitment to the local and global community. We are thrilled to support their visions and the institutions they are building for the future.”

 

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