CUPECOY, Sint Maarten — The gears are in motion for the National Institute of Arts’ (NIA) big fundraising initiative 100 for 100: Art Works 100% and two local businesses have already caught wind and stepped up to the plate. The Cliff at Cupecoy Home Owners Association and LaVista Hotel have both agreed to sponsor St. Maarten’s talented youth for a full year. The Cliff additionally made the bold pledge to become an annual sponsor.
On Wednesday, April 8th NIA officially launched its 100 for 100 initiative to an audience well attended by several business owners, Minister of Culture Rita Bourne Gumbs and Commissioner of Culture Mme. Roullande. ACHA (African Caribbean Heritage Alliance) also made a pledge to support NIA by providing a generous donation towards the program. 100 for 100 is a program that will provide one hundred aspiring artist with the backing of one hundred local businesses to sponsor one full year of interdisciplinary arts education at NIA. This program will help relieve some of the financial pressure of families who want their children to receive the high caliber of training that a year at NIA would afford.
NIA directors believe that good academic standing and art development go hand in hand. Children that are accepted into the program are encouraged to maintain a high GPA throughout the year. The need for such a program was highlighted by Co-Director, Clara Reyes who noted that “we keep investing and importing external talent for shows, however we at NIA focus on creating the infrastructure to develop and train talent that can be nurtured and showcased here in St. Maarten.”
NIA believes in the power of the arts to transform and is committed to seeing the inherent talent of St. Maarten’s children realized. 100 for 100 is a vehicle for enhancing the lived experience for many of the children in St. Maarten by identifying gifted and passionate children in an island wide talent search and provide one-year full scholarship interdisciplinary art education.
Sponsorship of 100 for 100 works in a variety of ways to benefit businesses. Becoming a sponsor is a great way to increase visibility on the island, help at-risk youth, and bring positive change to their communities.
NIA would like to thank The Cliff at Cupecoy HOA, LaVista Resort, The Summit Hotel and The African Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) for their generous donations and for taking part in enhancing the quality of artistic engagement at NIA and across the island.
100 for 100: Art Works 100% will be hosting a series of promotional events in the coming months and looks forward to showcasing the wonderful talent cultivated at NIA. If you are a business owner and interested in becoming a 100 for 100 sponsor please contact National Institute of Arts for more information. niasxm@gmail.com/ 721.543.0600
PHOTO/thebeachfrontclub.com
