Philander Smith Awarded $859K Grant for Arts Education


Philander Smith Awarded $859K Grant for Arts Education
The Philander Smith College campus in Little Rock (Mauren Kennedy)

The Windgate Foundation of Little Rock has awarded a three-year, $859,000 grant to Philander Smith College of Little Rock that will fund a new visual and performing arts program and visual arts scholarships, starting June 1.

The new program will offer courses in applied digital media and graphic design, various studio arts, animation and photography classes, among others. Students who complete the program will earn a bachelor’s degree in visual and performing arts.

"Because the arts help sustain the human spirit and are an essential cultural touchstone, we are deeply appreciative of this gift from the Windgate Foundation that will support our desire to nurture the creativity of our students," PSC President Roderick Smothers Sr. said in a news release. "In turn, we believe that the College will be [better] positioned to enrich the artistic community of our city, our state, and beyond."