MIAMI – Noted Jamaican drummer and percussionist, William “Willie” Stewart is the recipient of a US$25,000 grant from the prestigious John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, based in Miami, Florida.
The presentation was made at an awards ceremony held Monday night (November 29) at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami.
With the grant, the former drummer of the internationally renowned reggae band, ‘Third World’, will develop a programme for South Florida children in African rhythms and history through percussion classes and community performances.
Stewart was one of 27 recipients and the first Jamaican from a total of 1,000 applicants to benefit from the grant, which is awarded annually through the Knight Arts Challenge Miami. Now in its third year, the programme aims to transform Miami’s arts community, and bring the diverse cultures together by funding projects in arts and culture.
Among the 27 grant recipients were some established organisations like the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, History Miami, the University of Miami, the Florida International University, as well as Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs.
