Release Date: Dec 5, 2008
File:

Summary:
On December 4, 2008, The Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District (MCACD) awarded nearly $1,000,000 in District funds to support major arts and cultural organizations, special arts and cultural projects by small and mid-sized arts and community groups, and individual artists residing in Montgomery County.

㩆 Operating Support grants to major arts and cultural organizations $ 600,000

㩉 Special Project grants to small and mid-sized arts and community
organizations $ 133,861

㨾 Individual Artist Fellowships to literary and performing artists $  55,000

This is an investment in the community and the amenities that are offered in Montgomery County.

Operating Support grants are awarded through a formula process to arts and cultural organizations with budget size in excess of $500,000.  These organizations include: Aullwood Audubon Center, Dayton Art Institute; Dayton Ballet; CityFolk; Dayton History Inc; Dayton Contemporary Dance Company; Dayton Opera; Boonshoft Museum of Discovery; Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra; Greater Dayton Public Television (Think TV); The Human Race Theatre Company; K-12 Gallery For Young People, The Muse Machine; Rhythm in Shoes; Victoria Theatre Association; WDPR (Dayton Public Radio) and We Care Arts. Support is also provided to the Schuster Center.

Special Project grants are awarded in four program categories including Visual Arts, Performing/Literary Arts, Cultural/Multi-Arts and Education.  Grants are awarded based on review criteria that include project quality, project impact/benefit, project evaluation, appropriate budget and the ability of the applicant to complete and manage the project.  Twenty-eight organizations producing a variety of arts and cultural projects throughout Montgomery County have been awarded funding this year (see attached list).

This year's Artist Fellowship program focuses on literary and performing arts. A total of ten artists will receive fellowships, including nine Fellows ($5,000 awards), and one Lifetime Fellow ($10,000 award). These Montgomery County residents create art through choreography, dance, instrumental performance, non-fiction writing, fiction, and poetry. 

Local artist, teacher, and community volunteer, Curtis Barnes, Sr., is the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award. Also being recognized with a special commendation is local teacher and theater impresario Sheila Ramsey for her vision and passion for the arts.