(Frankfort, Ky.) - The Kentucky Arts Council approved panel recommendations for operational support funding for 61 non-profit organizations whose primary purpose is to provide year-round arts programs and services to benefit the public. The Arts Council's competitive General Operating Support I and II grant programs awards are based on the size of an organization's operating budget combined with their ability to meet to specific performance expectations in arts delivery, networking and collaboration, diversity, and promoting the value of the arts.

The reach of the General Operating Support Grant program is very broad both geographically and the type of arts and cultural programming the funding provides. Recipients have been awarded in 29 counties from Paducah to Pikeville, Covington to Somerset. Organizations, such as VSA arts of Kentucky based in Bowling Green, deliver the arts in programs across the state. Among the group of grantees are educational and training programs, performing arts presenters, visual and craft arts membership organizations, orchestras, choruses, theatre groups, dance ensembles, film societies, art museums, and community development programs.

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet. Working in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council invests in programs that develop vibrant communities, provide lifelong education in the arts and support arts participation. Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $15 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government.

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EDITORS NOTE: FY2005 General Operating Support Grant recipients listed below.