Commission announces arts grants

The Idaho Commission on the Arts announced today its Fiscal Year 2017 annual grants, totaling $453,002 to 68 organizations and schools for 96 projects spanning 27 communities throughout the state. Among those receiving awards are groups in Bonner and Boundary counties.

Organizations and schools receiving grants will match their awards with locally-generated funds.

In announcing the awards, Idaho Commission on the Arts Chair Kay Hardy said, “The arts belong to each of us. In a democratic society, we participate in activities reflecting both cultural traditions and visions for a common future, created by diverse communities engaged in a continuing dialogue with each other. In awarding these annual grants, the Commission recognizes aspirations for excellence, one of the defining characteristics of a civilized society in which all are invited to participate.”

Executive Director Michael Faison expressed thanks to Idaho’s elected officials for their continued support of the commission’s statewide programs. “Our state’s rich artistic heritage and presence are made possible through the ongoing civic commitment of the Governor and the members of the Idaho Legislature and Idaho’s congressional delegation.”

Several area groups received Arts Education Project Grants, which provide funding for activities that unite effective practices in education and in the arts, and that involve schools, artists, and community organizations. They support teaching and learning opportunities for pre-K through grade 12.

Receiving grants were Bonners Ferry High School, Boundary County School District 101 Bonners Ferry, $3,094; and

Clark Fork Jr./Sr High School, Lake Pend Oreille School District, Clark Fork, $1,918

In the Arts Grant category, the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, Inc. of Sandpoint received a $2,050 grant.

MCS also received a $3,574 Entry Track and Public Programs in the Arts grant. The grants provide stable, ongoing support for the arts programs delivered by Idaho’s professional arts organizations. Funding for these categories strengthens our state culturally and economically, while providing Idahoans with the invaluable experiences of performances, gallery exhibits, special events, and workshops in all disciplines.

The Festival at Sandpoint received an $8,721 Public Programs in the Arts grant.

In 1966 the elected representatives of our statewide community established the Idaho Commission on the Arts to stimulate and encourage throughout the state the study and presentation of the arts, and public interest and participation therein...and to encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression essential to the well-being of the arts.

The Idaho Commission on the Arts endeavors to provide quality experiences in the arts for all Idahoans. The Commission is a state agency consisting of 13 volunteer commissioners from all regions of the state, appointed by the governor to four-year terms