SC Arts Commission Press Releases
S.C. Arts Commission Arts Recovery Grants Preserve 139 Jobs
June 9, 2009
Media Contact:
Milly Hough
(803) 734-8698
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Arts Commission Board has announced $314,109 in one-time grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Grants will go to 33 South Carolina arts organizations in 13 counties for projects and activities that preserve nonprofit arts sector jobs threatened by the current economic downturn. Grants will help secure 61 staff positions and 78 contract positions.
A complete list of those organizations is now available.
Recovery Act grants are funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Atlanta-based Southern Arts Federation is distributing its NEA-granted Recovery Act funding to arts organizations within its nine-state region, and is allocating $51,125 of South Carolina’s $314,109 in Recovery Act grants directly to arts organizations throughout the state.
“We appreciate the Southern Arts Federation’s additional funding for arts organizations in our state,” said S.C. Arts Commission Acting Executive Director Ken May. “The Arts Commission also applauds the NEA, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and Americans for the Arts for their tremendous efforts in seeing that the arts sector was included in the economic recovery plan.
“In addition, South Carolina arts organizations should be commended for their quick response and dedication to ensuring access to the arts in their communities,” said May.
Organizations could apply for up to $15,000 for salaries, fringe benefits, and/or fees for artists and/or other contract personnel. The Arts Commission will submit grantees’ personnel activity reports, as well as quarterly and final reports, to the NEA as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5.
More information on the arts and the economy, including studies on the economic impact of the arts and additional resources, is available.
About SCAC:
The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.
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