WVHighlands STArt Fund
The WVHighlands STArt Fund, established in 2013 with a $2,000 donation from the WVHighlands Artisans Group, provides sustainable funding for the STArt Project, a community-supported initiative that promotes arts education and engagement in Tucker County schools and the broader community.
TYPE OF FUND: Designated
DATE ESTABLISHED: Initiated November 2013
PURPOSE: To provide sustainable funding for the STArt Project, a community-supported cooperative project to promote and benefit students of the local (Tucker County) schools and the general population.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee and approval by the Board of Directors of TCF.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: The fund was initiated with a $2,000 donation from the WVHighlands Artisans Group.
BACKGROUND: The WVHighlands Artisans Group initiated the STArt Project (School-Town Art Project) in 2009 as outreach to its community in fulfillment of its IRS designation as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, duly registered with the State of West Virginia in Tucker County.
Acting on the twin convictions that viable communities promote both education and economic well-being for their citizens and that the arts contribute measurable benefits to both, the STArt Project was created with three main goals: to support art instruction through the county schools, give visibility to the results, and encourage students to take active roles in the local arts community. This aligns with national research showing that student involvement in the arts enhances academic success and that a strong artistic presence in a community stimulates economic development and improves quality of life.
STArt’s Community Advisors emerged from a group of engaged citizens who supported and encouraged the program’s early initiatives. Over time, the Advisors envisioned expanding the scope of the STArt Project to involve more students, include all artistic disciplines, cultivate community support and participation, engage with the business community, and achieve financial self-sufficiency.
STArt leadership and volunteers continue to work toward these long-term objectives:
Sponsor exhibitions of artwork by all student populations in Tucker County for community appreciation.
Encourage cooperative projects among retail arts venues in Tucker County.
Foster intergenerational participation in public arts projects to strengthen community spirit and enhance public spaces.
Improve public access to arts instruction as a continuing program in education and civic life.
Cultivate civic awareness of the benefits of arts and artistic expression in education and daily life.
Advocate for administrative support and funding for arts education in public schools.
Promote Tucker County as a thriving arts destination for tourists.
In 2013, the WVHighlands Artisans Group, through its Executive Committee, approved the establishment of a designated fund in the Tucker Community Foundation, named the WVHighlands STArt Fund. The fund is dedicated to advancing the vision of the STArt Project and encouraging broad public support for its mission.
