PPG Industries launched a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES project in Valenciennes, France, which will help to revitalize the local university and its surroundings and to create a “Plastic Landscape” exhibition with the Department of Fine Arts. The Colorful Communities initiative, which started last year, provides PPG employee volunteers and products along with financial contributions to bring color and vitality to communities where the company operates around the world. It increases PPG’s commitment to invest in communities by adding $10 million to support efforts made during a 10-year period.

PPG is providing $16,800 of total support for the University of Valenciennes project, including SEIGNEURIE paint products. Also, about 50 PPG employees from PPG’s nearby Saultain and Marly plants will volunteer to help paint and renovate the university’s exhibition hall, as well as to clean the surrounding grounds and canal. PPG volunteers also are helping to collect materials that students in the university’s Department of Fine Arts will recycle into art pieces for a “Plastic Landscape” exhibition, which will be the first to be displayed in the renovated hall.

The Department of Fine Arts of the University of Valenciennes and Hainaut Cambrésis (UVHC) trains students in plastic and digital art, from licensing through doctorate. The students go on to pursue careers ranging from exhibition management to graphic and interactive design to digital scenography.

“This project adds value to the Valenciennes community by helping to revitalize the University District, and by making culture available to all in the community by supporting the creation of an innovative art exhibition that will build awareness of the importance of sustainable development and waste recycling,” said Pascal Vanhamme, PPG plant manager for the Saultain and Marly facilities. “This is a great effort that PPG is excited to support with funding, products and employee volunteers.”

The PPG Colorful Communities initiative aims to enhance, protect and beautify the neighborhoods where the company operates around the world. Together with community partners and PPG employees who volunteer, the program supports projects that transform community assets using donated PPG products. In 2015, PPG completed 11 Colorful Communities projects, and it expects to complete about 30 more this year.

The Colorful Communities program is PPG’s signature initiative for its community engagement efforts. In 2015, PPG and the PPG Industries Foundation donated more than $6.6 million to hundreds of community organizations across 20 countries around the world. These investments focused on: education programs that teach young people skills needed to succeed in studies and careers related to science, technology, engineering and math, such as jobs in advanced manufacturing; revitalization programs for buildings and community spaces; and organizations important to employees through grant and matching-funds programs.

PPG Industries and the PPG Industries Foundation aim to create brighter, more colorful communities where PPG has a presence around the world. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today’s skilled workforce and develop tomorrow’s innovators in industries related to coatings and specialty materials. With the support of our workforce, financial contributions and PPG products, we help revitalize our communities. Plus, we empower PPG employees to make an impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at www.ppgcommunities.com.