PORTLAND — “Norway Savings Bank’s support has helped us build, expand and maintain the legacy and legacies of Black and Brown artists. The impact of the bank’s dedication to our mission is immeasurable and profound.”
The words of Márcia Minter, co-founder and chief officer of strategic growth and innovation of Indigo Arts Alliance, are personified by the many Maine artists who are able to cultivate their artistic development through mentorship, connection and amplification thanks to the work of IAA.
“We emphasize that we want Black and Brown artists to be an integral part of the texture of the whole community – not an add-on – but really part of the whole,” said Daniel Minter, co-founder and artistic director of IAA.
IAA offers two residencies: a mentorship program that pairs visiting artists with local and regional Black and Brown artists and a fellowship program honoring Dr. David C. Driskell, IAA’s elder advisor. Both residencies are open to artists of many disciplines, including visual, performance and writing, and connects them with the local and national art community along with studio time to engage in their creative process that celebrates self-expression.
The IAA also celebrates children’s literature of the African diaspora through its annual Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival which honors Ashley Bryan each September. Norway Savings Bank is pleased to sponsor the festival and has contributed over $25,000 to the organization since 2022, including a recent $5,000 donation.
“The Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival celebrates children’s books and their creators with an annual 3,000-plus book giveaway to Maine families, the production of media and activities, and live book events,” said Janice de Lima, CRA officer VP for NSB. “The festival honors the legacy of legendary Black children’s book creator and artist Ashley Bryan and is named after his classic picture book ‘Beautiful Blackbird’. NSB is proud to be a part of a festival and program that offer Black children and immigrant children the opportunity to build their home libraries and fill them with books that represent their lives and experiences.”
Free books go to children served by Portland Public Housing, Portland Parks and Recreation and the Lewiston community.
It’s just one of the many initiatives at IAA making a real difference and creating positive change through the sharing of resources, gifts and perspectives.
“Indigo Arts Alliance is a place of exploration, ideation, and growth that leads to artists sharing their creative vision that illuminates what is possible and shows us the way forward to a more just, equitable, and humane society,” said Jordia Benjamin, executive director of IAA. “Through its support, NSB is assisting in the realization of that vision.”
To learn more about the organization, including how to get involved or assist in its mission, visit the IAA website at www.indigoartsalliance.me.
