NEW ORLEANS, LA.- In its first challenge grant, Prospect New Orleans announced that it raised more than $450,000 in donations from supporters, which will be matched with a $200,000 donation from a national foundation that wishes to remain anonymous.

Prospect New Orleans was challenged to raise $200,000 in donations from March 10 to June 30, 2014, by an anonymous donor, which offered to match the funds raised dollar-to-dollar up to $200,000. Outpouring from the national and regional art communities was so great that donations for the art biennial well surpassed the target goal, reaching over $450,000.

More than $650,000 in total donations will go toward implementing the third iteration of the art biennial, “Prospect 3: Notes for Now” (P.3), opening October 25, 2014. Funds will be used throughout the organization to cover operations, artist projects, and other costs associated with producing the large scale art event.

“This was Prospect New Orleans’ first ever challenge grant and we are extremely pleased with the success of our match campaign. It is a testament to how we as a community can come together and support each other in our creative endeavors.” said Prospect New Orleans’ Executive Director Brooke Davis Anderson. “We truly couldn't be more satisfied with the results.”

“One of the outcomes of a challenge grant is, not only does an organization receive donations from return supporters, but it ignites and inspires new donors,” said Susan Brennan, Prospect New Orleans' Board Chairperson. “The board of Prospect New Orleans is pleased to see that so many new supporters participated in our first ever match campaign. We thank each and every patron of P.3.”

For anyone who missed the match campaign, but is interested in donating to the biennial, there is still an opportunity to contribute to Prospect New Orleans. Supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets to the Opening Party on Oct. 24, 2014 at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans.