Kansas City Front Page - Art Gallery News

ArtsKC Fund announces $327,837 in new grants
KANSAS CITY, MO, (kansascityfrontpage.com), October 8, 2012 - The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City has announced $327,837 in new grants to local artists, arts organizations, and arts programming through the ArtsKC Fund.

The ArtsKC Fund includes grants in three categories; Ovation, Catalyst and Inspiration, all of which were represented in this cycle. Ovation and Catalyst grants are awarded to arts organizations for either general or program support while Inspiration grants are awarded to individual artists and arts professionals.

The 2012 ArtsKC Fund Campaign contributions totaled $432,722, bringing the fundraising total to nearly $3 million in six years. This is an 8.1% increase over last year. The recent round of grants brings the totals to 499 grants distributed, 116 of which are Inspiration grants, 260 Catalyst and 123 Ovation.

For the Ovation recipients, the grant represents a source of sustainable funding. Each year Ovation recipients remain in the program, assuming they have met the requirements in the prior cycle. Catalyst recipients apply each year and receive extensive coaching through the application process, an added benefit of applying. Finally, the Inspiration grants, while they remain the smallest category of the ArtsKC Fund, are able to give artists a resource they can leverage for further project support.

"I've often heard how an ArtsKC grant made all the difference to that artist, not only giving them needed funds, but also providing a seal of approval from the community," said Harlan Brownlee, Arts Council President and CEO. "Many times this funding is successfully leveraged to find matching dollars and inspires our artists to persevere and go on to create beautiful works of art that benefit our entire community."

First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District
KANSAS CITY, (kansascityfrontpage.com) - First Fridays are a local favorite with galleries and shops remaining open from 7-9 pm the first Friday of each month in the Crossroads Arts District, 18th & Baltimore, in downtown Kansas City, MO.

If you prefer a more structured, family friendly outing, check out the Second Saturday program, featuring a guided tour of area retailers & galleries the second Saturday of each month. Participants enjoy educational presentations at each venue, and lunch is included! A small fee of $15 per person ($10 for Crossroads Community Association Friend Members) makes this opportunity possible. For more information, call 913-530-6279.

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