Arts Program Funding Available For Non-Profit Organizations

HARTFORD — Applications And program guidelines are now available from Connecticut Commission on the Arts for Connecticut non-profit organizations wishing to apply for funding to conduct arts programs that will occur between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. The application deadline is February 1.

The Commission on the Arts “Organization Challenge Grant Program” was developed to sustain and strengthen Connecticut’s cultural assets and augment arts development within the state’s cities and towns. Applicants are asked to identify a program within the scope of the organization’s activities, focused on one of the following goals:

*Support artistic development to ensure a vital artistic presence in all Connecticut communities;

*Expand and deepen the role of arts in education, and an education in the arts of all cultures; and/or

*Expand public participation and individual engagement in the arts throughout the state.

Applicants must have, as a minimum, a two-year history as an arts organization or as an arts program of a non-profit organization to be eligible to apply for organization challenge grants.

Activities eligible for funding may be ongoing projects or new initiatives. Applicants are required to match funds received from the commission with additional income from other sources.

Grant Application Workshops

The Commission on the Arts will offer six grant workshops in locations across the state to assist prospective applicants. Each meeting will be held from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on the following dates:

*Thursday, December 14, at Connecticut Commission on the Arts building, 755 Main Street in Hartford;

*Friday, December 15, at ACES Education Center for the Arts, 70 Audubon Street (first floor) in New Haven;

*Saturday, December 16, at Connecticut Commission on the Arts, 755 Main Street in Hartford;

*Monday, December 18, at Stamford Cultural Development Corp. at SACIA, One Landmark Square (second floor) in Stamford;

*Tuesday, December 19, at Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park, Plank Road in Waterbury; and

*Wednesday, December 20, at Norwich Arts Council, 60 Broadway in Norwich.

Attending the workshops is not mandatory in order to submit an application for funding, but it is encouraged for new applicants. The workshops are offered free of charge; however, registration is required by calling the Commission on the Arts at 860/566-4770.

Directions to the workshop locations will be sent to those who register. Guidelines and application materials will be available at all workshops. They may also be obtained by phoning the commission, or downloading from the agency’s Web site at www.ctarts.org/orgrant.htm.