Seven Local Arts Organizations Awarded Funds to do Great Things in Chatham County
The Chatham Arts Council is excited to announce the winners of the annual Grassroots Arts Grants, a program aimed to help organizations do amazing work through the arts.
Seven organizations will be awarded a portion of the more than $12,000 in total funding available, which will help with operational support and the hiring of local artists to implement arts programming. This year’s award winners are: Chatham Artists Guild, Chatham County Partnership for Children, Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, Shakori Hills Roots in Schools, Sisters’ Voices, Sprott Center for Youth (Moncure), and NC Arts Incubator. Since 2000, Chatham Arts Council (CAC) has awarded more than $117,000 to nonprofits, who in turn, use the money to carry the arts into every corner of the county.
“We were so pleased with the diverse applications we received for the grant this year,” expressed Cheryl Chamblee, Executive Director of the CAC. “Chatham is full of creativity and our hope is that this funding will help arts organizations enrich the county with meaningful artistic experiences.”
The CAC serves as the Designated County Partner to the North Carolina Arts Council in awarding the funds to local organizations.
The review panel was particularly interested in seeing proposals that included local artist fees/fair payment to artists and outreach to diverse or underserved communities. Applications were reviewed based on the quality of the project, community impact, ability to implement the project, and fiscal responsibility. Winning applications ranged in programming from early literacy opportunities and integrated art in after school classes to educational music programs and promoting arts/artists in Chatham County.
“Each winning organization had compelling needs and incredible program ideas,” said Sue Szary, Chair of the Grassroots Arts Grants Panel and CAC Board Member. “We’re so proud of the arts organizations in our county – all of which are dedicated to elevating art as a priority in Chatham.”
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