Article Body
PIERRE, SD - Governor Mike Rounds approved $1,104,800 in FY 2009 State Arts Council grants and special initiatives following the State Art Council’s spring meeting. The Council recommended funding for more than 250 artists, arts organizations, schools, and art projects across the state.
“Supporting the arts is an integral part of the state’s 2010 Initiative,” Gov. Rounds said. “Strengthening the arts in our local communities is an excellent way to diversify our economy,” he said. “These artists and organizations are really leaders in our business community who not only inject capital into our communities, but also serve as ambassadors in our tourism industry by encouraging visitors to come and enjoy the cultural diversity of our state.”
In support of artists and their varied activities, the South Dakota Arts Council awarded nine individual artist grants, two artist collaboration grant, four traditional arts apprenticeship grants, and 45 touring arts grants, totaling $205,477. Grants contribute to the artists’ professional development, sometimes making it possible for them to remain in the state. Touring Arts grants also provide all South Dakotans the opportunity to attend quality performances and exhibitions.
Grants were also awarded to arts organizations and other nonprofit groups producing arts activities. Through various grant categories, the Council conferred 73 grants to organizations totaling $520,162. It also approved a budget of $156,200 to fund more than 250 weeks of artist residencies with 125 schools and community-based groups. Grants encourage these organizations to develop and sustain arts projects important to their communities.
The Council allocated $222,961 for grants and initiatives that fund special activities in education, public awareness, traditional arts, technical assistance, professional development, excursions, the state’s Dance on Tour program, Poetry Out Loud, an arts and humanities fund, and interim special projects.
Funds for Arts Council grants are provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of South Dakota and help to create $12 million in local matching funds and spending. “The arts are very much alive in South Dakota and the enthusiasm across the state is truly contagious,” said Gov. Rounds. “The matching funds commitment from a federal, state and local level sends a strong message that the arts are important to our state.”
The South Dakota Arts Council is the governing board of the Office of Arts, a state agency within the Department of Tourism and State Development. The Council’s mission is to provide grants and services to artists, arts organizations, and schools throughout the state. For more information about SDAC programs, visit www.artscouncil.sd.gov, call 605-773-3301, or email sdac@state.sd.us.
For a complete list of winners, visit http://www.artscouncil.sd.gov/News/grantawards09.pdf.
-30-