More than $122,000 in grants headed to local arts organizations         

[SEPT. 29, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- Area artisans are in line for more $122,000 in Illinois Arts Council grant money, according to state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, and Reps. Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg, and Raymond Poe, R-Williamsville.

"These grants go a long toward promoting the arts in our communities," Bomke said. "And it is not just artists who benefit from these grants, because when the arts are alive and well in our communities, we all benefit."

The Illinois Arts Council issues grants to arts organizations, individual artists, schools and communities based on their commitment to excellence in their respective disciplines. The grants come from a combination of state and federal funds.

"We are very fortunate to have a wide variety of talented art organizations that entertain and educate our families," said Poe. "The large number of grants being awarded to our area is a testament to the quality of art programs available here in central Illinois."

The Illinois Arts Council grants for the 50th District are:

• $5,710 for general operating expenses for the Illinois Central Blues Club.

• $19,030 for general operating expenses for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

• $6,420 for general operating expenses for the Prairie Art Alliance.

• $3,800 for general operating expenses for the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony.

• $8,200 for the Community Arts Access Program for the Springfield Area Arts Council.

• $14,520 for general operating expenses for the Springfield Area Arts Council.

• $14,270 for general operating expenses for the Springfield Art Association.

• $5,950 for general operating expenses for the Springfield Theatre Centre.

• $8,220 for general operating expenses for the Theatre in the Park Inc.

• $1,120 for general operating expenses for the Menard County Singers.

• $4,480 for general operating expenses for the St. Andrews Society of Central Illinois.

• $2,610 for operating support for the University of Illinois at Springfield Visual Arts Gallery.

• $14,270 for operating support for Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

• $14,270 for InLife project support for West Central Illinois Telecommunications.

"You don't have to travel to Chicago or St. Louis to experience the arts," Brauer said. "It's all here in central Illinois. Whether you are interested in theater, music, sculpture or painting, there are plenty of venues here at home for you to experience the arts. These grants will further expand our strong arts culture."

For more information, please contact Bomke's district office at 217-782-0228.

[News release from Sen. Larry Bomke]

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