Aleron has pledged financial support to the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. To more closely reflect the breadth and depth of artistic practice in the western New York community, the Center has agreed to launch an Under-Represented Artist Fund (URAF) that will seed projects and exhibitions in support of women and minority artists in the Buffalo area.
“As longtime supporters of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, we are thrilled at the unveiling of this new initiative that will support DEI efforts in our local region,” said Scott Stenclik, President and CEO of Aleron. “For a creative space to be truly representative of the community that it serves, all voices need to be heard, which is why the URAF will become such a significant component of the art museum.”
In addition to its efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Burchfield Penney Art Center has rolled out an ambitious plan to expand its academic offerings and double the size of its educational space. Funding from companies like Aleron will more effectively position the Center—and the greater Buffalo region—as an emerging art space nationwide.
“The Burchfield Penney, as leaders in the cultural community, rely on and are inspired by partners like Aleron,” said Scott Propeack, Deputy Director of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. “Aleron makes it possible for us to ensure that the development and growth of Buffalo and our region are inclusive and has a foundation that secures opportunities for everyone. Our future success comes from partnerships that bring all voices together to define who we are and to realize our potential.”
As a primary component of Aleron’s strategic plan, our organization is committed to promoting social justice, community engagement, and economic empowerment. For decades, Aleron has supported the worthwhile causes of many local and national partners—and we look forward to assisting the Burchfield Penney Arts Center in fulfilling its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
To learn more about Burchfield Penney’s URAF effort, click here.
Image artwork painted by Christina Paul.
