Two University of Toledo faculty members in the College of Arts and Letters received the Ohio Arts Council’s Individual Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments by 75 artists statewide in a variety of disciplines.
Dr. Ayendy Bonifacio, an assistant professor of English specializing in U.S. ethnic literary studies, received the award for fiction; and Dr. Matt Foss, associate professor of theatre, received the award for playwriting.
Dr. Ayendy Bonifacio, left, and Dr. Matt Foss.
“Our arts and humanities faculty continue to elevate the reputation of the university,” said Dr. Melissa Gregory, interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “These Individual Excellence awards identify the recipients as among the most accomplished and innovative artists working in their disciplines in the state of Ohio.”
Recommendations for Individual Excellence Award funding are made through an anonymous, open panel review process focused on the exceptional merit of past artistic work. This year, nearly 500 applications were received from artists across the state.
The Ohio Arts Council’s Executive Committee approved the Ohio artists to receive grants through the OAC’s Individual Excellence Awards program in the categories of choreography, criticism, fiction, non-fiction, music composition, playwriting/screenplays and poetry.
The grant funding totals $375,000 for state fiscal year 2024.
