| ARCADIA, Wis. – The Ashley for the Arts committee has selected the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as the recipient of the 2022 Community Cares Grant. The EDC is a nonprofit, public and private partnership aimed to advance local prosperity through business and job growth. The project will focus on the expansion of live entertainment at the EDC’s annual River Prairie Festival: Celebration of Art, to increase community involvement with the arts, music and enhance the culture in the area. “On behalf of River Prairie Festival: Celebration of Art, the Eau Claire Area EDC is graciously humbled to receive the Ashley for the Arts Community Cares Grant,” said Becca Coleman, EDC Project Director. “River Prairie Festival: Celebration of Art is a family-friendly, community festival focusing on highlighting and championing local artists, performers, and art-inspired community groups. With the help of the grant, this free festival will continue to be a day-long experience where community members can see first-hand the rich culture of artists that are our neighbors.” The River Prairie Festival: Celebration of Art takes place Saturday, May 13th from 10 – 4 p.m. at River Prairie Park in Altoona, Wisconsin. The event draws roughly 4,000 attendees and has been hosted for six years. Each year the festival expands on their live entertainment and will continue to have their “Take the Mic!” singing competition and “People’s Choice Award” within the artist market at the 2023 event. “We are excited to support the River Prairie Festival with the Community Cares Grant to further their efforts of bringing the community together through this event,” said Cole Bawek, Event Director, Ashley for the Arts. “We strongly believe in the importance of having access to the arts and we are happy to partner with the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation to further their mission.” The Ashley for the Arts Community Cares Grant was created to provide support for local non-profit organizations that promote the arts, music and broadening cultural horizons within their community. The grant is made available to local school districts, youth organizations or community organizations within a 60-mile radius of Arcadia, Wisconsin. In 2022 alone, Ashley for the Arts raised nearly $650,000 for over 70 participating non-profits. The Ashley for the Arts committee has been distributing donation checks over the past several months to these participating organizations. Donations are awarded to participating organizations based on their volunteer hours and onsite performances. Ashley for the Arts is scheduled for August 10, 11 and 12 in Arcadia, Wisconsin for the 14th annual music and art festival. Headline entertainers include OneRepublic, REO Speedwagon, Jake Owen, Tyler Hubbard and more! Tickets are available online, at a price of only $35 for the entire weekend, at https://www.ashleyforthearts.com/tickets/. Ashley for the Arts is a nonprofit initiative that provides the entire family with world class entertainment, art, exercise and family fun for a remarkably low cost. The organization is one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, donating over $3 Million since its inception to more than 70 non-profit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities, and medical research. This music and arts festival was conceptualized and established by Ashley Furniture Industries in 2009 and takes place in Arcadia, Wisconsin’s Memorial Park. For more information on Ashley for the Arts, visit www.AshleyfortheArts.com. “Like” Ashley for the Arts on Facebook and follow us Instagram @AshleyfortheArts. ### |
