The Hope Center of Hendersonville is thrilled to announce that we have been selected for the second cohort of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation’s (ZSR’s) Inclusive Public Art Initiative supported by Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and Mellon Foundation. The organization was awarded a $167,600.00 grant and is one of nine organizations across NC who are using public art to spotlight untold or under-told stories in our community.

The Hope Center's project will include a 2,6000-square-foot mural that depicts its members. The project will also feature 3 larger than life metal sculptures representing adults with disabilities created using recycled materials. Both projects will feature collaborations between the artists, Robert Allen and Becky Bonnema, and members of The Hope Center. Members are excited to be able to make choices in the art that will represent themselves and bring awareness to underrepresented individuals with disabilities.

At the end of an inclusive process that centers community engagement, we plan to offer member-led art tours to create greater understanding and acceptance of all people, with and without disabilities.

ZSR’s investment in inclusive public art is intended to share stories of diversity, equality, inclusion and equity as they relate to the people and places of North Carolina, especially those whose stories are often untold or under told. By centering community engagement, this initiative aims to include historically marginalized people in the decision-making processes about art in public places and is intended to spark healthy dialogue.

Source: The Hope Center of Hendersonville