Sunday June 22, 2008
From Tennessee House of Representatives
Originially published at www.thedailytimes.com

State Representative Doug Overbey (R-Maryville), representing state House District 20, has released the list of grant award recipients from the Tennessee Arts Commission for 2009 in his district. These include William Blount High School, Mary Blount Elementary, Appalachian Ballet Company and Frank Richard Martin, Jr.

In announcing the awards, Overbey, who also serves as Chairman of the Arts Caucus, emphasized the contributions the arts make to the quality of life in Tennessee communities. The state representative said, “The Tennessee Arts Commission’s matching grants are made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who purchased specialty and collegiate license plates.”

“This state is indeed fortunate to have elected leaders who support the work of the Tennessee Arts Commission in building better communities through the arts,” said Donna Chase, incoming chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission.

According to Chase, the Commission will award over 850 grants in 2009, totaling more than $7.2 million. These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and rural areas. Grant categories include: Art Building Communities, Arts Access, Arts Education, Arts Project Support, General Operating Supporting, Individual Artist Fellowships, Major Cultural Institution, Rural Arts Project Support, Student Ticket Subsidy, Technical Assistance, Touring, Special Opportunities, and Professional Development Support.

The Commission’s allocation process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate art disciplines and a review and final approval by the full 15 member Tennessee Arts Commission.

“The arts are changing lives in Tennessee. They improve education when integrated into the curriculum. They contribute to our economy, make our communities exciting and livable, and make us better citizens,” said Chase.

Additional information on grant programs offered by the Tennessee Arts Commission is available at: www.arts.state.tn.us.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm and is filed under In The News.
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