Columbia Museum of Art receives Knight Foundation Grant

Funds to be used for Boyd Plaza programming and activity

The Columbia Museum of Art announces it has been selected as a recipient of a grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation. The $75,000 award will support the revitalization of Boyd Plaza to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere through placemaking programming and interactive art.

After reopening Boyd Plaza in March 2019 following a major renovation courtesy of The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation Inc., the CMA saw an explosion of activity, in part due to funding from a previous Knight Foundation grant. A year later the pandemic shut this programming down, and activities have been greatly reduced ever since.

“Through the generous support of the Knight Foundation, the CMA and many community partners aim to make the downtown area a vibrant place to live, work, and play during the work week,” says CMA Deputy Director Joelle Ryan-Cook. “We want to recapture the energy and joy people expressed right after the beautiful renovations, which fostered relaxation and socialization and served to support a robust restaurant, retail, and arts scene on Main Street.”

The CMA will host a variety of arts-centered, weekday programs and activities on Boyd Plaza throughout the year. To help shape this impactful programming, the museum has already begun to survey Main Street visitors, residents, business owners, and people who work downtown. Many programs are already launched, with more in development.

May Boyd Plaza Programs

Gentle Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza
Fridays, May 10 and 24 | 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Start your day at the CMA with a gentle yet invigorating yoga session for those who want to enjoy the practice at a slower pace to support movement patterns, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing. The class takes place on Boyd Plaza and can be taken on a mat or sitting in a chair; both will be provided. Registrants are welcome to bring their own mats and props. Taught by Kate Murphy, a local yoga teacher with training in accessible yoga and mindful resilience for trauma recovery. Ages 13 and up. No unaccompanied minors. Free with registration. Priority registration for members only through Monday, April 1. In the event of rain, class will be canceled. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.

Jazz Al Fresco
Wednesdays, May 15, 22, and 29 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with free lunchtime concerts on Boyd Plaza courtesy of the Cola Jazz Foundation and the CMA. Musician Mark Rapp leads a rotating group of musicians as listeners take in the spring air and enjoy a nosh by the fountain or a quick respite on the plaza. Drop by any time during the concert to enjoy the music. Grab lunch from a featured food truck or bring your lunch from home (or one of our Main Street neighbors). Free. Seating is limited, so feel free to bring a chair. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.

Evening Yoga on Boyd Plaza
Wednesdays, May 15, 22, and 29 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

End your day with a restorative yoga session on Boyd Plaza. Taught by Panna Chauhan of Buddha Belly Kids, a kid-friendly yoga organization that teaches mindfulness and setting the foundation to healthy yoga habits. Mats and props provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Appropriate for all skill levels. Ages 5 and up. No unaccompanied minors. Free with registration. In the event of rain, the session will be canceled. A grant from the Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation supported this project.