The Arts Council Seeking Grant Applications for 2008-2009 Funding Year

 
Winston-Salem, NC (March 6, 2008) – The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is seeking applications for grants in its 2008-2009 grant cycle. The Council has five grant programs, the largest being for operational support. They are Organizational Support, Arts-In-Education, Project Assistance, Regional Artist Project, and Advertising Assistance.
 
"Raising money for the arts and distributing it through our various grants programs is the primary purpose of The Arts Council," said Milton Rhodes, President and CEO. "The total amount of grants made each year depends upon the success of our annual fundraising campaign.  We are now in the midst of the 2008 campaign – Where the Arts Come Alive – and I urge residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County to give generously in support of arts organizations and artists."

The deadline for Organizational Support Grants is May 2, 2008.  All other grants applications are due by June 2. Last year The Arts Council made more than $1.6 million in grants and support to 45 organizations and individuals.

Organizational Support grants provide financial support to local arts organizations to assist in the day-to-day operations of their organization.  Grants are available to member organizations of The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

Arts-In-Education grants partner artists with educators, bringing hands-on arts experiences to thousands of students each year.  The program is administered in conjunction with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.

Regional Artist Project grants offer support to artists in the local community and region, helping each artist further his or her professional development.  Individual artists and small, unincorporated groups are eligible to apply for this grant.

Project Assistance grants provide funding to arts organizations for a specific project for the benefit of a wide community audience.

Advertising Assistance program is supported by the Winston-Salem Journal, WXII TV, and 88.5 WFDD and provides significant cost savings for local arts agencies promoting their organizations through these media outlets.  The program is available to members of The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County was established in 1949 and was the first locally established arts council in the United States. Now there are more than 4,000.  The Arts Council enriches the quality of life for people in Winston-Salem and neighboring communities by raising funds for the arts, advocating for the arts, sponsoring events in conjunction with other arts organizations, providing educational opportunities, strengthening cultural resources, developing social capital, and aiding economic development.

You may obtain further details on grant categories and information sessions for all grant  applicants at our website www.intothearts.org  and by contacting Chris Koenig, at 336-722-2585, Ext. 121 or ckoenig@intothearts.org .