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The Johnson City Public Art Committee is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Challenge America award of $10,000. The NEA has approved 272 Challenge America awards nationwide totaling $2,720,000 as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants.

The NEA funds will support the Phil Pindzola Biennial Sculpture Exhibition, offsetting the costs of the sculpture leases for the upcoming 2025-2027 round. The Public Art Committee will install a total of 15 pieces, beginning in late May.

“This generous grant from the NEA underscores the importance of public art in enriching our community,” said Dr. Michael Fowler, Public Art committee chair. “The Phil Pindzola Biennial Sculpture Exhibition provides a platform for talented sculptors to showcase their work and delivers world-class art to our city’s doorstep to be enjoyed by all.”

The Phil Pindzola Biennial Sculpture Exhibition is a leased sculpture program supporting 3-dimensional artists working in a variety of materials. Artworks are selected by a juror and the volunteers serving on the Public Art Committee. Sculptures are placed on a two-year rotational schedule, resulting in a new exhibition every other year. Most are located in and around Founders Park in downtown Johnson City, with several at major intersections.

Public Art in Johnson City is supported through grant funding and private donations.

For more information on other projects included in the NEA’s grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news. For details on Johnson City Public Art initiatives, visit https://jcpublicart.com/.