The county Fine Arts Council is starting a grant program to encourage local events that foster the arts.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published July 26, 2003
When it scrapped plans for the Nimmagadda Cultural Center, the Hernando County Fine Arts Council promised a return to its central goal: to promote the arts.
To that end, the council is implementing a long-considered idea for a grant program to encourage local groups to coordinate events that foster the arts.
"We're getting back to supporting the arts in Hernando County," said council Chairwoman Barbara Manuel. "First and foremost, that's what we do."
Each year, the council sets aside about $4,800 collected from an optional Florida State of the Arts license plate, said vice chairman David Weinman. After expenses such as the council's quarterly newsletter are paid, the remainder will be awarded to qualified art organizations.
"I don't think we want to promise something we can't give," said Weinman, who could not give the exact amount of grant money that will be available. "Some things need to be hashed out yet, but this is our first attempt, and that is to be expected."
Funds are intended to supplement a group's budget, not supplant it, Weinman said. Expenses such as administrative costs, salaries, purchase of real estate, capital improvements, prize money and travel are not eligible for consideration. All funding will be provided as reimbursement for approved expenditures.
Although applications were originally due at the end of July, the council has decided to accept proposals until Aug. 15. Weinman cited administrative delays for the change.
"It's really a three-phase thing," he said. "Applications are due in the next few weeks, then they will be reviewed and given to council members who will vote in September."
"Our mission statement says that we're supposed to be supporting the arts in Hernando County," Weinman said. "It's one of the things we've talked about for a long, long time, and we're taking it off the back burner."
- Joy Davis-Platt covers Hernando County arts and entertainment and can be reached at 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com
