Wilson, NC. (August 7, 2024) – Wilson Arts is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous $500,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson. This funding will support the construction of cutting-edge educational makerspace studios at the Wilson Arts Center, marking a significant milestone in the completion of phase 2 of our ambitious renovation project.
A makerspace is a community oriented workspace where people can come together to create, learn, and collaborate on various projects. Equipped with tools, materials, and resources that cater to a wide range of interests—such as woodworking, pottery, metalworking, and more—these makerspace studios will serve as hubs of creativity and innovation. The key idea behind a makerspace is fostering creativity, collaboration, learning, and a sense of community. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an artist, an engineer, or just curious, a makerspace provides the environment and tools to explore and create.
“The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson is a proud partner in this exciting project. The expansion will provide space for new programs that will be available for all ages of the Wilson community,” said Paula Benson, Executive Director of Healthcare Foundation of Wilson. “The programming proposed by Wilson Arts will offer many opportunities that support mental health and active living. We are also excited that this programming will be available to youth participants of Y-GIG, the after-school program funded by the Foundation.”
The grant comes on the heels of the successful completion of phase 1 in 2021, a $2.3 million endeavor that laid a strong foundation for the continued development of the Wilson Arts Center. With this latest financial boost, Wilson Arts is poised to finish the remaining renovation work and fully realize our vision of a vibrant, interactive educational hub.
As an organization now proudly debt-free, Wilson Arts is in a position of financial stability that will allow us to advance confidently into the next phases of our renovation project. The completion of phase 2 will not only enhance our facility but also expand our capacity to foster creativity and learning within the community.
The arts play a crucial role in promoting mental and physical well-being. Engaging in artistic activities offers a non-medical approach to mental health prevention, potentially reducing the need for more traditional health services. By nurturing creativity, individuals can take greater responsibility for their own health, maintain independence, and enhance their quality of life through the joy and fulfillment that art brings.
Scientific studies, including those available at the National Library of Medicine, highlight the positive impact of art on both mental and physical health. Art has been shown to increase serotonin levels, boost blood flow to pleasure centers in the brain, and promote new ways of thinking. These effects contribute to improved mental health, reduced anxiety and blood pressure, and an overall better sense of well-being.
Wilson Arts is excited to continue this journey and looks forward to the future with optimism, as we work to create a space where the arts can flourish and positively impact our community. If you are interested in making a directed donation towards the Wilson Arts makerspace project, please reach out to Cathy Hardison, Wilson Arts Executive Director, at cathy@wilsonarts.com or by phone at 252-291-4329 x 105.
Wilson Times article: Foundation awards $6M grant to Barton health sciences efforts – Restoration NewsMedia
Healthcare Foundation of Wilson press release: Healthcare Foundation of Wilson NC | Health & Wellness