Gateway grant helps put the final touches on African American Museum of the Arts expansion

The African American Museum of the Arts expansion project just gained another $34,000. So far, the museum has raised 1.2 million from the state as well as ECHO grants, Volusia County and private donors. The city monies will go to meet funding shortages as construction continues.

“It’s been a long time coming,” board chair Reggie Williams said. “We were fortunate to receive funding from the state and county. This grant will help us meet shortages we have in the existing construction as well as the landscaping and the signage.”

 The City of DeLand approved the Gateway Grant request for the museum at the Sept. 16 City Commission meeting. A gateway grant is money from the City of DeLand to encourage building improvements within the downtown redevelopment area. “It’s exciting the site is clear and we’re moving forward,” DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman said.

The new construction will be 3,500 square feet compared to the museum’s 800-square-foot facility. The new building will include a welcome desk, gift store, multiple gallery spaces, a multipurpose meeting room, a library focusing on Black art and culture, ADA-compliant restrooms, and additional storage and catering space.

The motion to approve the grant was unanimously passed, meaning a big step forward for the African American Museum of the Arts in DeLand.