The Arkansas Tech University Foundation has received a $610,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation in support of ATU visual arts students and programs.

As part of the grant, the Windgate Foundation has pledged $500,000 to help create an endowment intended to provide scholarship assistance to students in the ATU Department of Art.

“With our longstanding support of visual arts programs across the United States, we are proud to deepen our partnership with Arkansas Tech University,” said Patricia Forgy, executive director of Windgate Foundation. “It is our hope the scholarship endowment will enable greater access and opportunities for students with an interest in the degree programs offered by the ATU Department of Art.”

The grant also calls for the continuation of the ATU artist in residence program and the Windgate Summer Art Launch for Arkansas Educators, a continuing education program that ATU has provided to K-12 art teachers since 2018. The remaining $110,000 from the grant will fund those initiatives over the next two years.

“The Windgate Foundation is one of the leading advocates for the visual arts and art education in our state and region,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president. “Arkansas Tech University is pleased to continue and strengthen its relationship with the Windgate Foundation in a way that benefits Arkansas art students of all ages. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Windgate Foundation Board of Directors and Patricia Forgy for their support of the ATU Department of Art and our shared passion for expanding educational opportunities in the arts.”

-By Sam Strasner
for the Tech Action, Spring 2021