Arizona arts groups awarded $1.2 million in federal grants
May 11, 2018, 4:14 AM
(Facebook/Ballet Arizona)
(Facebook/Ballet Arizona)
PHOENIX — Twelve arts organizations across Arizona recently received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts that totaled more than $1 million.
The agency awarded $1,275,800 worth of grants to the organizations this week.
Half of the organizations were based in the Phoenix area, while the other half were based in Tucson or the Grand Canyon.
The Arizona Commission on the Arts was awarded the most money. The $830,800 grant will help “support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out your agency’s NEA-approved strategic plan.”
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The city of Phoenix was awarded two grants that totaled $150,000 for the city’s housing department and Office of Arts and Culture.
The $100,000 grant for the housing department will “support a public art master plan and community arts programming in the Edison-Eastlake neighborhood,” while the Office of Arts and Culture’s $50,000 grant will “support the Phoenix Neighborhood Arts grants program.”
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton praised the award in a statement on Wednesday.
“Public art in our neighborhoods enhances a sense of community and quality of life,” the statement read.
“This grant will not only preserve and add to the special character of the Eastlake-Edison community, but will also give artists real opportunities to create original work.”
City councilwoman Kate Gallego, who represents the district, said the grant will add “even more vibrancy and beauty” to the neighborhood.
“Public art community programming will not only strengthen the neighborhood but will also have a positive economic impact as well,” the statement read.
Arizona Opera and Ballet Arizona, both based in Phoenix, were awarded $20,000 and $30,000 grants, respectively.
The opera will use its grant to support “Silent Night” performances, while Ballet Arizona’s grant will support “Ballet Under the Stars,” a free outdoor performance series that takes place in local parks.
University of Arizona in Tucson was also given a $45,000 grant to “support artists residencies by Matthew Garcia and Andres Hernandez.”
The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that was established by Congress in 1965 to “[offer] support and funding for projects exhibiting artistic excellence.”
The agency awarded a total of $80.5 million in grants to organizations across the country.
