ArtsNOW Receives Grant from Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation

by | Mar 11, 2025

A collage of teachers and students engaged in various classroom activities, including crafting, group work, collaborative games, and interactive lessons in bright, welcoming school settings—celebrating ArtsNOW's 2025 WhatWorksSC Award.

ArtsNOW has been awarded a grant from Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation to strengthen leadership and sustainability in arts integration in South Carolina.

With the support from Milliken, ArtsNOW will work with educators and students across four Spartanburg County elementary schools.

  • Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary (K-6)
  • New Prospect Elementary (K-6)
  • Inman Elementary (K-3)
  • Cannons Elementary (K-5)

This project will include digital coaching sessions tailored to the unique needs of 24 teachers, with one teacher per grade level participating across all four schools. Additionally, each school will receive funding for arts integration supplies and for principals at each school to attend the 2026 Principals’ Network Conference. By refining their skills and receiving direct consultation, participating educators will become internal leaders, ensuring the long-term sustainability of arts-integrated teaching practices.

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader focused on materials science, creating products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. The Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation builds upon this mission by making a positive impact on communities keeping in line with their core values of integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people.

“This grant allows us to invest directly in the educators who make arts integration sustainable in classrooms,” said ArtsNOW President & CEO Pamela Walker. “By equipping them with tailored coaching, essential materials, and leadership opportunities, we’re not just enhancing instruction—we’re building a culture of innovation that lasts.”

The initiative aligns with both organizations’ shared belief that creative thinking and strong leadership are essential to preparing young minds for the future. Through this partnership, ArtsNOW and the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation are helping to ensure that every student has access to deeper learning through the arts.