National Endowment for the Arts awards $150k research grant to IOB and UWM
When students are encouraged to use their personal interests and creativity, they have the opportunity to unlock their potential. We've witnessed this firsthand time and time again as students have grown and succeeded in ways we never thought possible.
We knew that this wonderful community, small in size but with a mighty personality, was destined for great things and could help make a significant impact. Not only in Milwaukee, but with the rest of the country.
That time has finally come.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to welcome the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Islands of Brilliance into the network of NEA Research Labs that are contributing critical information about the arts’ impact on different facets of our lives,” said Director of Research & Analysis Sunil Iyengar.
Our goal with this collaboration is to examine how creativity in art and design serves as a vehicle for preparing populations on the spectrum for the workforce, and preparing neurotypical work environments for people living with autism.
"Academic research examining Islands of Brilliance's use of creativity as an intervention for autistic individuals has been a long time goal," said Mark Fairbanks, Cofounder and Executive Director of Islands of Brilliance. " The opportunity to work with Dr. Nathaniel Stern and Dr. Celeste Campos-Castillo at UW-Milwaukee through funding from the NEA is an incredible opportunity, one that will positively impact the community we serve and forever alter the trajectory of our organization."
If we can continue working towards shifting perceptions that those on the spectrum are people with capabilities – not disabilities – the opportunities are limitless. This valuable grant allows IOB the ability to support a larger community.
We look forward to working with our partners at UWM and are grateful for the opportunity the NEA has provided!
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Every program brings our students one step closer to their goals and us closer to a world that recognizes the capabilities of the neurodiverse community. We’re proud to be offering students more access than ever before. Donations are needed to help support staffing, mentors, technology, curriculum development, and more. Your tax-deductible gift ensures we can keep providing connection, joy, and hope to the families we serve.