“HANG12 is preparing me for the future in a variety of ways, both academically and professionally,. I’ve met with a variety of people such as local artists, local businesses, galleries, people that work at the Arts Center, and my peers. Community is what HANG12 means to me.”– Ella Smith, HANG12 participant
“HANG12 has taught me managing skills and accountability. Transitioning from Admissions where I would take care of incoming and outgoing art to the treasury side of the art show process has helped develop my mathematical skills. My communication skills, self-esteem, and a sense of awareness of the world has come to light because of HANG12.”– Charlie Smith, HANG12 participant
The grant is part of U.S. Bank’s new annual $1 million Market Impact Fund that supports organizations focused on economic development in the areas of workforce preparation, affordable housing and arts and culture. In addition to the Lawrence Arts Center, Women’s Employment Network in Kansas City is among the 20 inaugural grant recipients.
“Establishing this new fund allows us to further focus our efforts on supporting those organizations like WEN which are working to close historical economic gaps in the areas of greatest need,” said U.S. Bank Lawrence Market President Brad Burnside. “Our communities are stronger when people have jobs, stable housing and when their communities are connected through the arts, recreation and play. Our goal is to give larger grants to create meaningful local impact working with and through market leaders and nonprofit organizations who know their communities the best.”
The Lawrence Arts Center has been a staple of the community since its founding in 1975, focusing on its mission to create meaningful arts experiences through education, exhibitions, and performances. Through the HANG12 program, the organization provides opportunities for students to both express their creativity and learn entrepreneurial skills, such as budgeting, marketing, grant writing, web development, applied mathematics, curation and public relations.
“The HANG12 program gives real life, hands-on curatorial experience to its members. I am consistently impressed with the hard work and level of communication and dedication these students put toward creating a professional art show and presentation,” said HANG12 Facilitator Alicia Kelly.
“This grant is transformational to the livelihood of both HANG12 members and the Lawrence community,” said Facilitator Neal Barbour. “HANG12 can now deepen the level of their artistic, gallery, and entrepreneurial skills and, in turn, present Lawrence with high quality and relevant art shows from a youth perspective.”
About U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with 74,000 employees and $476 billion in assets as of March 31, 2019, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank a 2019 World’s Most Ethical Company. Visit U.S. Bank at usbank.com or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.