Arts funding for small towns

Arts projects are gaining
steam in Alva, Oklahoma.

Small towns are frequently "art deserts" with limited access to arts and artists of all kinds. Grant funding is critical to bringing more arts to small towns. Arts and culture are key parts of thriving small town economies.

The National Endowment for the Arts is once again making Our Town grants for creative placemaking, or making arts a central part of life in your town. The goals are to improve quality of life, encourage creative activity, create community identity and a sense of place, and revitalize local economies. Grants will range from $25,000 to $150,000. The deadline is March 1, 2012.

The Kresge Foundation is supporting Arts and community building in communities of all sizes. Very few projects will be awarded. Preliminary applications are being taken through February 1, 2012.