The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County announced yesterday the recipients of its 2022 Artist Innovation Fellowship Program. Aligned with the Council’s mission to champion, engage and grow the arts in Palm Beach County, this funding program was designed to celebrate the artistic process and support professional artists in all disciplines.

The Cultural Council launched the Artist Innovation Fellowship program in 2020 by awarding five inaugural fellows. Due to the success of the program, the Cultural Council has expanded the program this year to award six $7,500 Artist Innovation Fellowships to the following creative professionals:

  • Elizabeth Dimon, actor (West Palm Beach)
  • Kianga Jinaki, visual artist (Riviera Beach)
  • Henriett Michel, visual artist (Palm Beach Gardens)
  • Yvette Norwood-Tiger, vocalist (Wellington)
  • Shanique Scott, choreographer (Belle Glade)
  • Carin Wagner, visual artist (Palm Beach Gardens)

Funds can be used for supplies, research, instruction, apprenticeships, travel or other experiences. The program gives recipients an opportunity to think big, pursue creative growth, and find new avenues of inspiration that propel their careers forward — without the constraints of budgets or specific outcomes. Activities must take place from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2022. 

The program will conclude with a group showcase in the spring of 2023 at the Cultural Council’s headquarters in downtown Lake Worth Beach. This gives the public an opportunity to see the results of this unique fellowship program and celebrate the fellows’ accomplishments.

“Celebrating innovation and creativity are hallmarks of the Cultural Council’s work,” said Dave Lawrence, president & CEO. “We are honored to support these six artists as our newest Artist Innovation Fellows. We look forward to seeing how the fellowship program ignites new creativity and supports the continued artistic growth of these six exceptional creatives.” 

Selection Process & Recognition
Earlier this summer, the Cultural Council offered free workshops in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach prior to the application deadline. The workshops provided information on building successful applications, specifics regarding the program timeline, grant-writing tips and more. The Council received applications from across Palm Beach County, and fellowships were awarded to applicants who demonstrated a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment and artistic excellence.

A regional panel of discipline-specific arts professionals evaluated and selected applicants before making a recommendation to the Council’s board of directors for final approval. The fellows were announced on Thursday, Oct. 28 during a press preview of the Council’s first exhibition of the season, “Gathering.”

For more information about the Artist Innovation Fellowship, visit palmbeachculture.com/AIFP.