30-05-2025
City of Irondale donates $20K to Birmingham area nonprofit that works with autism community after losing grant
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — After losing a $50,000 grant due to cuts at the National Endowment for the Arts, the city of Irondale has stepped up to help a nonprofit dedicated to helping those with autism express themselves through art.
On Thursday, Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. presented a $20,000 check to to Studio By The Tracks. The city's support was increased from previous years in order to help close the gap left by their unexpected loss of $50,000 in federal grant funding due to changes by the Trump administration.
'Studio by the Tracks is a vital part of our Irondale community—providing creative space, art instruction, and economic opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum,' a statement on the city's Facebook page read. 'Their work uplifts not only the artists they serve, but the entire community through inclusion, expression, and empowerment.'
Earlier this month, Studio by the Tracks announced that a $50,000 grant they had previously been awarded through the NEA's ArtsHERE program had been eliminated, initially putting plans for future programming in question. While the nonprofit uses several grants to operate, the ArtsHERE grant was the largest.
'I don't know what's going to happen with the youth program,' executive director Merrilee Challis told CBS 42 on May 13. 'It remains to be seen if the community will step up and shore up these losses.'
Studio by the Tracks has been operating since 1989, offering classes to both children and adults on the autism spectrum. In fact, the studio also sells art made by these individuals, allowing artists 60% of the proceeds.
The nonprofit is currently hosting a membership drive for $15 a month to help make up for lost funding.
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