Wednesday, August 1, 2001

Still time to apply for arts grants

Schools and organizations with community arts projects are being encouraged to apply for grants through the Grassroots Art Program.

Forms are available through Arts Clayton, the regranting agency for Fayette and Clayton counties. Deadline for submittals is Aug. 31.

GAP is funded by the Georgia Council for the Arts with appropriations through the state Legislature. The money is divided among counties according to population.

"This is one of our most exciting programs," said Pat Hussey, president of Arts Clayton. "Through GAP we are able to assist many local organizations who do tremendous work in reaching out to the citizens of Clayton and Fayette counties. We encourage partnerships between schools, community organizations and art groups to extend the impact of their art projects," she said.

Fayette organizations that have received funding in the past include Georgia Youth Ballet, Peachtree city Commission on Children and Youth, Endowment Committee for the Cultural Arts, Peachtree Wind Ensemble, Offshoot Productions and Sandy Creek High School.

Visual arts exhibits, concerts, theater and dance performances, readings, film programs, folk art projects, storytelling, workshops and art festivals are among the kinds of programs considered for funding.

Projects combining arts and education are encouraged.

Funded projects must be open to the public and applicants must provide 50 percent of the total project cost as a cash match for the grant. Projects must be completed by next June.

Grants are available for nonprofit organizations and public entities like schools, libraries, senior centers and service agencies.

Phone Judy Brock at Arts Clayton, 770-473-0848.