Donkey Mill Art Center Receives Prestigious Grant, Elevating Hawai'i's Creative Landscape

The Donkey Mill Art Center in Hōlualoa, Hawai'i, has received a prestigious grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation, a significant milestone that will bolster the organization's efforts to promote the visual arts and enrich the local arts scene.

Unlocking the Artistic Potential of Hawai'i's Creative Community

Fostering Artistic Collaboration and Exchange

The grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation will support the Donkey Mill Art Center's Artist in Residence and Exhibition Program, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, ideas, stories, and perspectives between visiting artists, regionally-based artists, and the community at large. This initiative will provide community access to top artists from around the world, allowing them to bring the influence of their time in Hawai'i back to their own art practices and communities.

Amplifying Diverse Artistic Voices

The Donkey Mill Art Center's commitment to amplifying the voices of artists is at the heart of the organization's mission. By consistently providing platforms for artists to share their unique perspectives, the Donkey Mill Art Center aims to resist the stagnation that can come with polarization and suggest new ways of navigating turbulent times.

Fostering a Dynamic and Interconnected Arts Community

The support from the Andy Warhol Foundation is a testament to the impact of the Donkey Mill Art Center's Artist Residency and Exhibition Program, which plays a crucial role in fostering a dynamic and interconnected arts community. The organization believes in the integral role of artists within the community, promoting their work as vital components of the creative ecosystem.

Bridging Socio-Economic and Cultural Divides

The Donkey Mill Art Center recognizes the arts as a powerful tool for bridging socio-economic and cultural divides. By providing a platform for artistic excellence and experimentation, the organization is committed to creating a more inclusive and vibrant arts community in Hawai'i.

Upcoming Exhibitions and Residencies

The Donkey Mill Art Center's upcoming exhibitions and residencies include "Heʻe Nalu: The Art & Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing," "Cool Fusion: Festival of 1,000 Bowls" featuring Korean-American ceramic artist Sam Chung, and "Hānau Ka Moʻolelo," spotlighting Seattle-based artist Michelle Kumata alongside the inaugural Youth Residency Program. Additionally, the organization eagerly anticipates the collaborative exhibition with the Hawaiʻi Triennial, "Aloha Nō," Hawai'i's largest thematic exhibition of contemporary art, scheduled for February 2025.

Donkey Mill's Commitment to the Arts

The Donkey Mill Art Center's Executive Director, Ashley Raymond, emphasizes the organization's commitment to providing a platform for artistic excellence and experimentation. The Donkey Mill believes in the integral role of artists within the community, promoting their work as vital components of the creative ecosystem. Without artists working within communities, the organization believes, we risk losing the essence of what defines us as communities.