Today the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) announced the awarding of 134 cultural grants across six of its eight grant categories, infusing $4,986,480 into the region’s cultural sector. These grants provide project-based support to individual artists and scholars as well as general operating support to nonprofit organizations and capacity building funds for planning and capital improvements.
“AHCMC is excited to make this announcement in celebration of Montgomery County’s cultural community during National Arts and Humanities Month,” says Reggie Oldak, Board Chair of the Arts and Humanities Council. “Our creative sector is ever-growing, and we are thrilled to provide county-wide support that invests in and strengthens our local economy and empowers the entire community.”
Over $4 Million in grants were awarded to sixty-four nonprofit organizations in the general operating support grant categories. These funds will support the overall operations and programming for organizations that produce enriching cultural activities throughout the county, such as Dance Exchange, a Takoma Park based organization that collaborates across generations, disciplines and communities to channel the power of performance as a means for dialogue, a source of critical reflection, and a creative engine for thought and action.
Twenty-four small arts and humanities organizations and groups were awarded a total of $109,400 to support the production of high-quality projects. Over the last several years, this category has grown expeditiously and strongly reflects the increasing diversity of Montgomery County. Programming offered by organizations such as Halau Nohona Hawaii, Peters Alley Theatre Productions, and The Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra – an ensemble that performs a unique and innovative blend of classical and video game music – often serve audiences in under-resourced communities where access to cultural experiences are limited, filling unique needs across Montgomery County.
“The arts and humanities unify communities, spark creativity and innovation, boost our local economy, and improve individual well-being through transformative experiences,” says Suzan Jenkins, CEO of the Arts and Humanities Council. “Not only is this accomplished through the work done by nonprofit organizations, but also the excellent work produced by individual artists and scholars.” Carol Petrucci, a Silver Spring resident and recipient of an FY20 Artists and Scholars Project Grant, will use her funding to create, produce, and exhibit new work examining the histories of diverse, multi-cultural Montgomery County through new arrangements of traditional or historical works. Projects such as this, and many others, contribute to the county’s overall quality of life.
Advancement and Capital Improvement Project grants were also awarded for the purpose of assisting organizations in attaining stability, technological improvements, and long-term planning and viability. Twelve organizations received these awards for various projects such as the upgrades to Adventure Theatre MTC, strategic planning for Gandhi Brigade Youth Media’s program expansion, and the restoration and preservation of the historic Spanish Ballroom exterior at Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture.
For a full list of grantees, visit: http://www.creativemoco.com/grants/grants-awarded
For more information, upcoming grant deadlines, free community grant workshops and eligibility information about AHCMC grants, visit www.creativemoco.com/grants.