Writers & Books Awarded $10,000 Stand for the Arts Award to Support Their Local Efforts
ROCHESTER, N.Y.: Expanding upon its Stand for the Arts Awards initiative launched in 2017, Ovation, America’s only arts network, continued its partnership with Charter Communications, Inc. to recognize outstanding local arts, cultural, and educational organizations and programs in five of Charter’s Spectrum markets across the country in 2020. The initiative is part of the independent network’s national arts advocacy platform called Stand for the Arts, and committed $50,000 in 2020 to support arts education in Spectrum communities.
On March 23, Ovation and Charter will present a $10,000 Stand for the Arts Award to Writers & Books, a Rochester-based nonprofit organization. The award will enable Writers & Books to grow their mission to foster and promote reading and writing as lifelong activities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“Even in this challenging time, Writers & Books is doing meaningful work, showing how access to the arts and arts education can bring diverse communities together and enrich the lives of their residents,” said Camille Joseph, Group Vice President, Government Affairs at Charter. “Charter is pleased to extend this partnership with Ovation for a fifth consecutive year and support the creative work of these arts organizations, as part of our commitment to invest and improve the communities we serve.”
Stand for the Arts Awards are granted based on how well an organization empowers the community, builds strategic partnerships, drives engagement through volunteerism and delivers creative programming.
Sol Doten, Senior Vice President, Content Distribution Marketing, Ovation said, “Together with Charter, we’re thrilled to provide support to community-driven art organizations, especially in times like these when they may need it most. Ovation encourages everyone to advocate for arts access in their community and to enjoy and support the arts in their own way throughout the pandemic.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition from Charter and Ovation, especially meaningful in a year of unprecedented challenges,” said Alison Meyers, Executive Director, Writers & Books. “Ovation’s Stand for the Arts Award shines a light on the important role the arts in general, and the literary arts, in particular, play in the life of a community. Our Writers & Books team will put this generous award to excellent use in the months ahead.”
“Writers & Books is an institution in our community with a long history of ensuring that reading, writing, and literacy are accessible for people of all ages,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This award will help ensure they continue to empower young readers and writers for years to come. I’m grateful to Charter and Ovation for supporting our vibrant local arts community, especially during these challenging times when they need our support the most.”
“Rochester is a city that is at its best when artists have the opportunity to thrive,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “Through this award from Charter and Ovation, young people will have the chance to explore reading and writing and nurture their artistic minds. As a School of the Arts graduate, I know the value of experiencing artistic creativity, no matter your chosen path as an adult.”
For more information about Stand for the Arts and the Stand for the Arts Awards, visit: www.standforthearts.com. And to learn more about Writers & Books, visit wab.org.
About OVATION TV America’s Only Arts Network
As an independent television, production, and digital media company, OVATION TV has an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture, and captivating entertainment. Showcasing a lineup of critically-acclaimed premium dramas, specials, documentaries, and iconic films, OVATION TV salutes innovative storytelling with popular programming that includes Inside the Actors Studio, Murdoch Mysteries, Riviera, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, The Fall, Luther, Midsomer Murders, Landscape Artist of the Year, Grand Designs, Amazing Hotels, Chasing the Sun, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Ovation also powers JOURNY, the dedicated streaming service where art, culture, and travel intersect. The company has provided more than $15M in contributions and in-kind support to arts institutions and arts education. Its signature advocacy platform, STAND FOR THE ARTS, includes a coalition of over 130 arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts leaders throughout the country raising awareness about art’s positive impact, protecting access for everyone, and encouraging action on behalf of the arts. OVATION TV is available on major providers via cable, satellite and telco systems including Comcast Cable/Xfinity, DIRECTV/AT&T TV, SPECTRUM, Verizon FiOS, as well as on demand. You can follow OVATION TV on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, OvationTV.com, and through our App, OVATION NOW.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 30 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
About Writers & Books
Writers & Books is one of the oldest and largest community-based literary centers in the nation and the only one of its kind in the eight-county Greater Rochester, NY, area. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1981, Writers & Books moved to its three-story home at 740 University Avenue in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts in 1985. The organization promotes reading and writing as lifelong enrichment, engaging youth and adults through workshops; summer camps; readings; presentations; and Ampersand Books, an in-house independent bookshop. Writers & Books also owns and operates Gell: A Finger Lakes Creative Retreat, sited on 24 acres in Naples, NY. www.wab.org