NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Art Space (TNAS) was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. The funding will support TNAS’s Art Education Program, which provides local students with free, high-quality art classes. These classes are taught by emerging local artists, who receive free studio space, mentorship, teacher training, and free exhibition space for one year in exchange for teaching classes.

The Norwalk Art Space offers free art and music classes for local students, supports Connecticut artists, and provides a welcoming and vibrant arts hub for the community, all free. Its mission is centered around increasing opportunities and equity in the local arts community.

”The art economy as a whole continues to have a dramatic gender and racial imbalance, so we are committed to selecting annual cohorts of artists that consist of at least 50% female or nonbinary artists, and at least 50% artists of color,” says Director of Operations Katy Sullivan. “We believe having art teachers who represent the wonderful diversity of Norwalk will attract new students to art and allow students to see themselves in art careers."

Since opening in June 2021, The Norwalk Art Space has served over 2,300 local students in classes, workshops and art enrichment activities. Free classes are offered year-round, with student art exhibitions and live music performances by students capping off each semester. Twenty-four artists have participated in TNAS yearly programs, resulting in career-enhancing opportunities and increased exposure for their work.