Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Al Blanton
The Walker County Arts Alliance (WCAA) was selected as a recipient of the 2025 Stand for the Arts award, presented by Spectrum in partnership with Ovation TV.
The award recognizes organizations that raise awareness, protect access, and encourage action on behalf of the arts. Along with the honor comes a $10,000 donation to support WCAA’s ongoing efforts in local communities.
“At Spectrum, we are a connectivity company,” said Will Edwards, Director of State and Government Affairs at Charter Communications, Spectrum’s parent company. “You historically know us as a cable company, and you may know us now as a broadband company and a mobile phone company, but what we really are is a connectivity company. Part of that connectivity is getting people to content. That content gets people to opportunities, whether that’s education or being able to shop online. When you look at any content, artists make that content, so we are excited to partner with our programming partner, Ovation TV, to deliver national presence to a local community.”
Edwards added that Spectrum serves 316 communities across Alabama and worked closely with Senator Matt Woods (R–Jasper) to identify a deserving partner in the Walker County region.
“When they reached out about this opportunity, the Walker County Arts Alliance was certainly top of mind for me,” said Woods. “Through their work in schools, festivals, and community engagement, they’ve created meaningful connections between the arts and the people of Walker County, especially young people.”
Woods also praised Spectrum for its willingness to invest directly in local communities.
Kat Murray, Executive Director of WCAA, accepted the award and spoke to the impact of the $10,000 gift.
“It really means a lot to us to receive this award because it’s not restricted in any way,” she said. “That gives us flexibility to expand our programming and reach more people in Walker County with the arts. We’re always looking for new ways to be involved, and this support is going to help us do that.” WL
