We are so excited to announce that Holly Grant has joined the ASI team as our new Grants and Programming Manager. Bringing more than a decade of experience working in the Western New York arts and cultural sector to this position, Holly is dedicated to exposing young people to the arts and helping tomorrow’s artists get their start and discover their potential.
Holly spent the most recent chapter of her career breaking the barriers that prevent underserved schools and communities from attending live theater. As the former education coordinator at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, she brought over 65,000 young people to the theater—many for the first time—through creative and unique programming. In this position, she worked tirelessly to secure funding to offer free and reduced-cost admission and transportation to schools and families in need, and worked directly with artists to bring them into communities otherwise unable to experience the performing arts. Throughout her 13-year career at Shea’s, Holly led key organizational programs such as the Kenny Awards—Western New York’s high school musical theater awards program—through which she helped put $45,000 into schools to support their theater departments.
“I am very excited to begin my journey at ASI and continue connecting with Western New York artists through ASI’s grants and programs,” Holly said. “There is an incredible wealth of talent and creativity in our region. I can’t wait to support ASI’s mission of capacity-building and collaboration to develop artists of all ages and disciplines.”
In her new role as ASI’s Grants and Programming Manager, Holly will continue to channel arts funding into organizations and programs in need by managing our many granting programs: NYSCA Decentralization Grants, Global Warming Art Project, Give for Greatness, and Fendrick Theatre Fund. She will also further her commitment of connecting members of the arts community by leading fundamental ASI programs, including the Spark Awards, professional development series, and more.
“As ASI heads into this next phase, we build upon two cornerstones of our programs and services: grant funding and professional development opportunities,” ASI Executive Director Jen Swan said. “Holly’s expertise and involvement in the Western New York arts sector will provide new and invaluable opportunities for us to share our resources going forward.”
In addition to her professional experience, Holly is currently a singer with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, where she has served as a board member and board president and has assisted with their marketing and development efforts.
For more information on ASI’s grants, programs, and services, contact Holly at [email protected].
