Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Arts Subsidy Available

The Arkansas Arts Council plans to offer a special 60 percent subsidy, or up to $2,000, to eligible organizations booking performances and exhibitions by artists featured in the Arts and Tour program during Heritage Week, May 8-18, according to James E. Mitchell, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

The Arts on Tour program brings together Arkansas artists and Arkansas audiences in an opportunity to experience the visual and performing arts. Any 501(c)(3) organization, public school, government agency or institution of higher learning may participate in the program. The regular subsidy is 40 percent.

"We're pleased to be able to make this offer to organizations in Arkansas," says Mitchell. "It is the Arts Council's way of recognizing the unique heritage we share in this state and the artists it has produced."

The Department of Heritage sponsors Arkansas Heritage week every year to promote wider knowledge and the enjoyment of Arkansas cultural and natural heritage.

The Arkansas Arts Council publishes an arts on tour roster featuring 52 artists and exhibitions in the disciplines of dance, music, theater, traditions and storytelling, celebration arts and visual arts. The roster includes a contract so that participants may apply for subsidy once a program is selected. Fee support is available on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted for the fiscal year ending June 30.

Those interested in receiving the 1996-1997 arts on tour roster or information on Heritage Week should call the Arkansas Arts Council at 324- 9766 (TTD 501-324-9811) or write to the Arkansas Arts Council, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. The e-mail address is info@dah.state.ar.us

The Arkanasas Arts Council was established in 1971 to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide pogram for the support of the arts in Arkansas. The Arts Council carries out a program of services and grants- in-aid supporting arts endeavors that have significance and that encourage and assist artists in achieving standards of professional excellence. In addition, the Arts Council assists other relevant arts projects including surveys, research and planning for the arts.

The Arkansas Arts Council is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, which was created in 1975 to preserve and enhance the heritage of the state of Arkansas.

The other agencies of the department are the Territorial Restoration, Natural Heritage Commission, Historic Preservation Program, Natural and Scenic Rivers Commission, Commemorative Commission and Delta Cultural Center in Helena.