The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts announced today its first round of grant awards for the 2009-2010 season. These grants support projects by individual artists, arts organizations, schools and educational organizations in communities throughout the state.
The Arts Council awarded a total of $885,500 to 118 applicants in this latest round of grants. It received 359 applications from artists, organizations and schools throughout the state, with requests totaling $3,140,397. Grants ranged in size from $113,125 to Trinity Repertory Company for general operating support, to $500 to support the Cross Mills Public Library Summer Music Program in Charlestown, RI.
In announcing the awards, State Arts Council director Randall Rosenbaum said that the agency received a large number of applications, and was able to support a number of exciting projects. "The arts are an important part of the life of every Rhode Islander, and our mission is to see that every Rhode Islander has access to the best our state has to offer, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. Through these grants we have supported activity in practically every part of the state, where the arts contribute to the quality of life, the education of our young, and the vitality of our economy."
[See link for a list of grants awarded, organized by city or town]
About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency, supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.