Mr. Kim Renz, Director of Patten Performances, has received two grant awards
totaling $2,350 to enhance cultural performances UTC. He recently received
$350 in funds to attend the Performing Arts Exchange, hosted annually by the
Southern Arts Federation. He also received $2,000 from Arts Midwest on
behalf of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) initiative, Shakespeare
in American Communities. These funds will enable Mr. Renz to host three
events from the Aquila Theatre Company.

The Performing Arts Exchange is a showcase of artists and art ensembles for
those arts presenters making decisions about performance and master class
schedules in the coming year and beyond. The event allows presenters to
build a network with artists, their management, and other presenters across
the region to organize tours. The presenters also attend meetings and
training classes to aid their professional development.

Through the NEA Shakespeare in American Communities grant, the Patten
Performances series will feature two public performances: The Man Who Would
Be King and Othello. There will also be a Guided Tour of Othello presented
by the Aquila Theatre Company which will bring together students from around
the area to discuss the themes of the play and its relevance in the
students' lives. The Patten Performances aim to widen their audience base
into the surrounding Martin Luther King, Jr. community, other inner-city
schools, and senior citizen groups. These events help to create as many
opportunities for educational outreach as possible.

Congratulations to Mr. Renz! Through your continued efforts, the Patten
Performances series brings engaging performances to Chattanooga area
residents.