A new grant program that will support arts project throughout Hamilton County has been announced by Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga. Community Cultural Connections is a pilot program that is a result of Imagine Chattanooga 20/20, Chattanooga’s cultural plan that created strategies to improve our community through arts and culture. Organizations, clubs and groups in Hamilton County are eligible to apply for the new grants which will fund up to $6,000 per project that will benefit underserved populations.
“The popular slogan in Chattanooga is ‘the arts are for all,’” remarked Jim Hill, co-chair of the Diversity Working Group with Imagine Chattanooga 20/20. “Imagine Chattanooga 20/20 recognized that much more can be done to serve diverse communities and neighborhoods. This is a great first step to be sure that arts and culture is accessible to everyone.”
“Our Working Group took on a broad definition of diversity,” said James McKissic, Allied Arts board member. “Through the Community Cultural Connections grants, we want the arts to be available to cultural and ethnic communities, seniors, persons with disabilities and in every region of our county.”
The grant deadline is Monday, Oct. 15. Organizations and groups do not need to have 501(c)(3) status to apply. Allied Arts will host two grant workshops on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 9 a.m. at Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Thursday, Sept. 6, at 5 p.m. at Allied Arts.
“Providing Community Cultural Connections Grants is a unique way to broaden, diversify and celebrate a variety of arts and cultural offerings in our community,” said Lillie Wills, Diversity Working Group co-chair. “We encourage emerging groups and members of neighborhood organizations, including cultural and faith based organizations throughout Hamilton County to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.”
The Community Cultural Connections grant guidelines and applications are available on the Allied Arts website: www.alliedartschattanooga.org. Additional information is available by contacting Rodney Van Valkenburg, Director of Grants and Initiatives, 423 756-2787 or rodneyvv@alliedartschattaooga.org.