ASCA Awards Two Grants to EVA

East Village Arts is honored to announce that we have received two grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts in support of our programming and organizational growth. These awards strengthen both the creative and structural foundations of the Village as we expand our impact in East Lake and across Birmingham.

Voices of the Village: RISE

The first award supports Voices of the Village: RISE (Resilience, Imagination, Story, Expression) — a year-long, artist-led series designed to amplify community voices, showcase local talent, and offer high-quality arts experiences that are free and open to the public. RISE programs are led by artist curators Craig Legg, LaDonna Smith, and Clifford McPeek.

RISE includes:

• Village Voices Live! – Quarterly performances centered on the RISE theme, featuring music, theater, spoken word, and dance. Events are curated by accomplished artists and highlight emerging artists, community elders, and local storytellers.

• Creative Community Workshops – Bi-monthly, hands-on sessions open to all ages, led by featured artists. Past and upcoming topics include handmade instruments, portrait painting, poetry writing, and performance.

• Open Mic Nights & Talent Development – Regular open mic gatherings that provide a welcoming stage for new voices.

• Season Finale Showcase & Potluck – A free culminating celebration in September 2026, honoring a year of shared creativity, performance, and community connection.

RISE reflects EVA’s core belief that artistic expression builds resilience, fosters imagination, and strengthens community bonds.

Investing in People and Place

EVA also received an Administrative Project Grant supporting strategic infrastructure growth as we move toward long-term sustainability and building ownership.

This initiative focuses on three key positions:• Development Officer – Establishing a sustainable fundraising program to support building renovation, long-term stability, and expanded programming.

• Community Outreach Director – Engaging neighborhood leaders and residents to ensure EVA’s initiatives reflect local priorities and contribute to East Lake’s cultural vitality.

• Digital Media Specialist – Developing a professional and accessible digital presence—including a new website—to promote artists, connect audiences, and expand participation.

Together, these roles strengthen EVA’s capacity to raise funds, build partnerships, and improve access to the arts. As renovations move forward, this growth will support classrooms, ADA-compliant facilities, and flexible studio spaces designed to serve a wide

These grants represent more than funding. They are an investment in artists, in neighborhood vitality, and in EVA’s long-term role as a creative home for experimentation, collaboration, and community gathering. We are deeply grateful for this support and excited for what comes next.