The second round of Special Support Grants for artists was announced this week with a large number going to theater companies. This marks a continued effort on the part of the city to support artists at ground level, handing out grants of up to $5000 for projects open to the public that demonstrate value to the city. The first round of grants awarded prizes to projects including an large-scale photography exhibit, a social art event and a public art project, among others. Those projects are currently on deadline for completion. For the second round of grants the city sorted through a paltry 23 applications to select six (c'mon artists, don't you want money?). It does seem rather odd that two of the grants (Danielle Georgiou Dance Group and Upstart Productions) went to plays currently onstage at the Festival of Independent Theatres, a city-funded theater festival, but c'est la vie.
Here are the six awardees:
Cry Havoc Theater Company
Is producing a new teen production titled, “THE (out)SIDERS PROJECT”. Mara Richards Bim and local playwright, Shelby-Allison Hibbs have conceived this theatre piece for a teen cast from several of the Dallas area High Schools.
Danielle Georgiou Dance Group
“The Show About Men” is a collaborative, devised, dance theatre production which Ms. Georgiou has created and is continuing to develop with Justin Locklear, Trey Pendergrass, Lori Honeycutt and Liz Metelsky.
Jerry Lynn
This will be a large scale mural on a building at the intersection of Martin Luther King Blvd. and Malcolm X Blvd. The mural imagery and design elements will pay homage to the rich history of that area and consideration of the future.
Upstart Productions
Produce and continue to develop the regional premiere of Paul Shoulberg’s play, “SICK F**K” which made its world premiere at the Cleveland Public Theatre in 2011. This company has a commitment to producing new and challenging work.
Dallas Mexican American Historical League
Will be creating an exhibition entitled, “The Untold Story: A Tribute to Dallas’ Mexican American Veterans and Families.” This exhibit will celebrate the important contributions of Latino veterans and their families.
Linus Spiller
Will be producing his script, “Pot Liquor” which was awarded as the inaugural winner of the TeCo Theatrical Productions PlayPride LGBT Competition.
