Public engagement will inform a new five-year creative plan

Wilmington, Del. (March 11, 2026) – The Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA) has launched a statewide strategic planning process to develop a new five-year roadmap for how Delaware will support artists, arts organizations, and creative communities across the state.

Across Delaware – and across the nation – arts and culture organizations are navigating rising costs, shifting public needs, and uneven access to arts opportunities. At the same time, demand for funding, services, and community-based programming continues to grow. DDOA’s strategic planning process is designed to start with these realities, listen to Delawareans across all three counties, and translate what is learned into a focused, measurable plan that strengthens accountability and guides investment.

The Division currently operates off of a publicly informed strategic plan titled Cultivating Creativity: 2021-2025.

The strategic planning process is being led by Cultural Planning Group (CPG), an independent arts and culture consulting firm selected to facilitate a rigorous, inclusive statewide planning process. CPG will support DDOA and the Delaware State Arts Council in reviewing relevant data and past planning work; designing and distributing stakeholder and community surveys; facilitating interviews, forums, and discussion groups; and synthesizing findings into a draft plan for public review and a final plan for consideration by the Council.

“Delaware’s arts community is creative, resilient, and growing – and that growth can reveal pressure points,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “This strategic plan begins with the challenges our sector is navigating: equitable access, regional reach, long-term sustainability, and barriers that can limit community participation. Through a rigorous public process, we will turn community input into clear priorities, measurable goals, and an actionable plan for the years ahead.”

“Delaware’s artists and creative communities have always been a source of strength for this state in classrooms, in neighborhoods, on stages, and in the spaces in between,” continues Ball. “This plan is an opportunity to match that energy with action. When we listen to Delawareans and build a plan rooted in their voices, we don’t just serve the arts – we build a stronger, more connected Delaware for everyone.”

“Strategic planning is how we ensure public resources stay aligned with public needs,” said J. Mack Wathen, Chair of the Delaware State Arts Council. “This work will help the Council and the Division focus on what matters most: strengthening access, supporting a healthy arts ecosystem, and maximizing the arts’ impact in communities across all three counties.”

“DDOA has a clear mandate: listen deeply, reflect statewide realities, and set a direction that is both ambitious and implementable,” said Martin Cohen, Partner at Cultural Planning Group. “Our role is to help translate broad community voice into a focused plan with measurable objectives, practical strategies, and a structure for tracking progress over time.”

Recent data underscores why this work matters. In Fiscal Year 2025, DDOA awarded more than $5.4 million in grants, supporting artists, nonprofit arts organizations, community-based organizations, and schools across Delaware. Statewide impact data from the Arts and Economic Impact 6 study, managed by Americans for the Arts, also affirms the arts as an economic driver in Delaware, generating $209 million in annual activity, supporting 3,300 jobs, and producing $40 million in tax revenue.

Consulting team

The Cultural Planning Group consulting team for Delaware’s strategic plan includes:

• Martin D. Cohen, Partner
• David Plettner-Saunders, Partner
• Surale Phillips, Associate
• Rosario Tapia Frias, Associate

How the public can participate

The public can take a brief 5-minute survey on their perception and desires for Delaware’s arts and culture sector by visiting:

• https://de.gov/ArtsStrategicPlan (English)
• https://de.gov/ArtsStrategicPlanES (Spanish)

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Announces clean energy partnership and global research collaborations for Delaware 

 WILMINGTON – Delaware business, government, and university leaders joined Governor Matt Meyer and Secretary Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez in a successful trade mission to India, the world’s largest nation. 

The trade mission partnered with a Delaware small business to announce a manufacturing agreement with a leading Indian green energy firm. The mission also advanced investment opportunities, international research partnerships, sustainability collaboration, and economic relationships aimed at bringing new innovative opportunities to Delawareans. 
 
Over the course of meetings in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, Governor Meyer and the Delaware delegation met with national and regional government leaders, technology and manufacturing executives, business organizations, university partners, and sustainability leaders to strengthen Delaware’s ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. 
 
“We are bringing additional opportunity home to Delaware,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “We successfully recruited companies, supported Delaware employers, strengthened research partnerships, and significantly enhanced the First State’s brand in one of the world’s largest markets.” 

KEY TRADE MISSION WINS: 

• REnP Green Energy is exploring plans to establish its first American facility in Delaware. Company executives plan to visit the state this April to begin site selection for a manufacturing operation targeted to open in 2027. 
• International Critical-Care Air Transfer Team (ICATT) Air Rescue, a pioneering air ambulance company, intends to incorporate in Delaware and is exploring plans to establish its first U.S. operations base in the state. 
• The University of Delaware advanced discussions with leading Indian Institutes of Technology and other institutions to expand collaboration in research, student exchange, and clean energy innovation. 
• Delaware Prosperity Partnership advanced a new relationship with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to build stronger connections between companies and Delaware. 
• In Hyderabad, Governor Meyer delivered remarks at CII’s Indian Green Building Council Green Telangana Summit, highlighting Delaware’s climate leadership and opportunities for collaboration between Delaware and Telangana in sustainable materials, workforce training, research, and climate finance. 
• NASSCOM has a planned delegation visit to New York in May.  They will travel to Delaware for a day of meetings and engagement to further strengthen our business ties.

The mission trip focused on recruiting companies to Delaware, expanding opportunities for Delaware businesses overseas, and building research partnerships to strengthen the state’s innovation economy. During the visit, Governor Meyer met two of his Indian counterparts: the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra (Mumbai) and Telangana (Hyderabad), as well as India’s Foreign Minister, Minister of Science and Technology, and Minister of Education.  
 
The delegation included representatives from the University of Delaware, Delaware Prosperity Partnership, Delaware businesses, and legal and economic development partners focused on strengthening trade, research, and investment ties between Delaware and India. 
 
“This economic mission trip showed that Delaware can compete on the global stage,” said Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez. “We strengthened relationships with business and government leaders, opened doors for Delaware companies, and created new pathways for investment, innovation, and collaboration that will deliver long-term benefits for our state.” 

CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED
During the mission, Delaware-based Versogen announced a partnership with Indian renewable energy company InSolare Energy to accelerate the global deployment of green hydrogen technologies. 
 
Versogen, a company founded at the University of Delaware and headquartered on the STAR Campus, has developed advanced materials used in water electrolysis to produce hydrogen without carbon emissions. The partnership pairs Versogen’s Anionic Exchange Membrane electrolyzer stack design with InSolare’s engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and market presence to support cost-effective, large-scale green hydrogen production aligned with India’s broader clean-energy goals.

“Versogen’s story is the First State at its best: innovative research at the University of Delaware creating a globally leading polymer membrane company located on the STAR Campus – growing into a real-world partnership that accelerates clean energy on a global scale,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “By pairing Versogen’s breakthrough technology with InSolare’s manufacturing strength and project execution, Delaware chemistry is truly delivering cost-effective, large-scale green hydrogen and deepening a Delaware–India relationship for years to come.” 
 

STRENGTHENING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
In New Delhi, Governor Meyer met with India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and other senior leaders to explore opportunities for clean energy research collaboration, startup engagement, and innovation partnerships connecting Indian companies with Delaware’s life sciences and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. 
 
The Governor also participated in a CEO roundtable with India’s leading technology industry association, making the case that Delaware is the best place in America for global companies looking to establish or grow their U.S. presence. 

In Mumbai, Governor Meyer hosted a ‘Doing Business in Delaware’ seminar at the U.S. Consulate, where manufacturers, fintech leaders, and business executives learned more about Delaware’s advantages as a home for investment and expansion. 
 
DPP-CII MOU 
Recognizing the immense possibilities of improving economic, entrepreneurial, and commercial ties between India and Delaware, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to work together to establish and collaborate in fostering innovation, startup engagement, and commercial links between the two organizations. 
 
CII is a non-government not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization, with around 9,700 members from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 365,000 enterprises from 318 national and regional sectoral industry bodies. Through its dedicated Centers of Excellence and Industry competitiveness initiatives, promotion of innovation and technology adoption, and partnerships for sustainability, CII plays a transformative part in shaping the future of the nation. 

CSC and DOS-led Legal Engagement 
The Department of State, in partnership with CSC, hosted “Why Delaware” sessions in Delhi and Mumbai.  Attendees from India’s biggest law firms learned why Delaware incorporation is a value-add for Indian companies.  
 
As a trusted partner and global provider of business and administrative compliance services, CSC—headquartered in Delaware with offices across India and around the world—convened leading legal and industry leaders involved in cross-border business transactions in Delhi and Mumbai to foster deeper relationships and create opportunities for clients to succeed in the global economy. 
 
Through these events, Indian businesses gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to operate internationally and recognized CSC as a valuable resource for navigating cross-border opportunities and expanding their global reach. 
 
Innovative Investments 
Additionally, thanks to in-person engagement in India, NASSCOM now plans to bring its delegation to Delaware in May for a day of meetings and engagement during a previously planned trip to New York City. ICATT Air Rescue, a pioneering air ambulance company, also plans to visit Delaware in the Spring to explore plans to establish its first U.S. operations base in the state. 

“As an ER doctor, meeting with ICATT was personal for me: they’re physicians building a company focused on life-saving emergency care,” said First Lady Dr. Lauren Meyer. “This trip was about building new relationships and attracting innovative companies. Now ICATT intends to incorporate in Delaware and is exploring plans to establish its first U.S. operations here, improving the lives of Delawareans in the process.” 
 
Back on United States soil, members of the trade mission delegation will now begin following up with organizations and individuals to ensure they’re delivering for all Delawareans.  

 “The work of the trade mission will continue in the weeks ahead as Delaware officials continue to foster relationships with companies, universities, and government partners,” Governor Meyer said. “This is how a small state competes. We show up, build relationships, and bring opportunity back to every community.” 

DELAWARE DELEGATION TO INDIA
The Delaware delegation included representatives from state government, higher education, economic development, the legal community, and Delaware businesses.

State of Delaware officials: 

• Governor Matt Meyer 
• First Lady Lauren Meyer 
• Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, Secretary of State 
• David Máthé, Director of International Development 
• April Wright, Administrator, Division of Corporations

Legal and corporate partners 

• Selena Molina, retired Senior Magistrate, Court of Chancery 
• Faiz Ahmad, Skadden 
• Apoorva Gokare, Morris Nichols 
• Brenda Wise, CSC 

Delaware Prosperity Partnership 

• Noah Olson, Vice President, Innovation 

University of Delaware 

• Dr. Ravi Ammigan, Vice Provost, Global Engagement 
• Dr. Suresh Sundaram, Lerner College of Business 
• Dr. Anil Bika, Center for Clean Hydrogen 
• Kris Graves, Senior Vice President, Development  

National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) 

• Alok Patel, Assistant Director, Business Development  

Delaware exporters and business participants 

• Iwona Evans, Aqua Science 
• Richa Patel, Aqua Science 
• Neeraj Batta, Batta Environmental 
• Jim Prendergast, Versogen 
• Balsu Lakshman, Versogen 

Other delegation participant 

• Thirumal Reddy, Delaware Resident and candidate for the Indian Heritage Commission 

New works explore “people capacity” through figure-centered paintings that honor the roles we play in building and sustaining community.

Wilmington, Del. (March 3, 2026) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present Community, a solo exhibition of new work by Tanya Bracey, on view March 6–27, 2026. An opening reception will be held Friday, March 6, 5:00–7:00 p.m., in the Mezzanine Gallery, located in the Carvel State Office Building at 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

In Community, Bracey’s figurative paintings explore “people capacity” – the strength, grace, and innate potential that emerges when individuals come together to support one another and create change. Each work is titled for a real or historical role in society, reflecting the many ways communities are shaped through the contributions of people who uplift others.

Bracey describes the series as an invitation to see ourselves, and each other, more clearly. “My artwork is a reflection of the people, their culture, and what matters to me,” she writes. “My work allows the viewer to step into the character and arrive at the new view of seeing themselves.” Throughout the exhibition, Bracey’s interest in mental and spiritual wellness underscores the belief that art can spark self-awareness, build empathy, and reveal how our paths connect.

Tanya Bracey’s path to the studio began with the simple joy of watching her father draw – an early spark that grew into a lifelong practice. After rediscovering her artistic drive in the 1990s, she pursued formal training at the Delaware College of Art and Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She describes her style as “classical realism with a Fauvist kick,” blending traditional technique with bold, expressive color.

Bracey’s figure-centered work has reached audiences through exhibitions and community-based arts spaces, shaped by a multifaceted background that includes teaching art to at-risk youth and a career in healthcare.

The Mezzanine Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

About the Mezzanine Gallery

The Mezzanine Gallery, located on the second floor of the Carvel State Office Building (820 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE), is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gallery highlights the work of Delaware’s Individual Artist Fellows, showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent throughout the year. For more information, visit https://arts.delaware.gov/mezzanine-gallery.

Images in the banner:  “The Gardner” (2025), acrylics on canvas, 36×24. 

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Dover, Del. – Today the Delaware Division of Small Business in partnership with Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, launched an online form allowing investors, economic development professionals and government officials to nominate Census Tracts for the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program.

Opportunity Zones (OZ) are census tracts that serve as an economic development tool to encourage private sector investment in economically distressed communities. These OZ census tracts offer significant tax benefits to investors who are willing to make long-term investments that result in substantial improvements within the OZ.

DSB will hold a webinar on Monday March 9th, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The webinar will provide more details about what it and the Governor’s office are looking for in nominations of potential census tracts. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wiQm9Zm3QIu-OJrKEZF6Gw.

“Opportunity Zones are a powerful tool for attracting investment and growing Delaware’s economy,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “But we need your help to decide which eligible census tracts are most likely to attract investment and grow our communities.”

“The process of selecting the next round of Opportunity Zones is vital to Delaware’s economic development efforts,” said DSB Director of Special Projects Patricia Cannon. “The census tracts that are nominated should have investible assets that can be attractive to investors and have long-term positive impacts on the designated underserved communities.”

Changes at the federal level in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act make the OZ program permanent and now require the OZ program to be updated every 10 years. Governors submit nominations of eligible tracts from a list provided by US Treasury. The next round of designations will begin July 1, 2026. Governor Meyer will have until September 30, to nominate 25 census tracts from that list.

In preparation, DSB and the Governor’s office encourage community leaders, developers, financial institutions, property owners, officials, and potential investors to help identify parcels of land and projects that could be important to consider as assets to attract investment from Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund investors. The nomination form can be found at de.gov/OppZoneForm.

Once approved by US Treasury, the newly designated OZ will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

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The Delaware Division of Small Business is a service-focused state agency, within the Delaware Department of State, that is committed to helping businesses start and grow in Delaware. Our Regional Business Managers can help you navigate government processes, connect with partner organizations that offer resources to small businesses and identify opportunities to access capital. DSB also oversees the Delaware Tourism Office and the Office of Supplier Diversity

Media Contact
Patty Cannon
Division of Small Business
C: (302) 943-0000
patricia.cannon@delaware.gov