Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced Sept. 16 the awarding of $763,044 in grant funds to support and build the arts in community and statewide programs across West Virginia. Included in the funding are several Greenbrier Valley arts organizations. “Our state is filled with a rich history and a robust artistic culture,” Gov. Tomblin, who announced the funding, said. “The arts not only connect us to our past, but also to our family, friends and the communities we call home. It is my hope this grant funding will allow today’s recipients to continue their efforts to strengthen and build West Virginia’s arts community now and for years to come.” The total grant funding was allocated as follows: • $20,000 in American Masterpiece Grant Funds, 2 grantees; • $497,067 in Arts Partners Grant Funds, 12 grantees; • $40,000 in Challenge America Grant Funds, 4 grantees; • $205,977 in Community Arts Project Support Grant Funds, 22 grantees. The American Masterpiece grant provides funding to support access to and deeper experiences of American masterpieces and works of American masters. Funding was awarded to the following American Masterpiece recipients: • Greenbrier Valley Repertory Theatre - $10,000 • Carnegie Hall - $39,420 • Greenbrier Repertory Theatre Company - $45,541 The Challenge America grant provides funding for innovative projects that provide arts education to community members, expand or improve access to art experiences, use the arts as a catalyst for change, address cultural tourism and celebrate the unique characteristics of the arts in West Virginia, or create strong communities through the arts. Funding was awarded to the following Challenge America recipients: • Carnegie Hall - $15,000 The Community Arts grant provides funds that support for projects that offer arts programming to the public and planning and organizational development projects that strengthen West Virginia arts organizations. Funding was awarded to the following Community Arts recipients: • Trillium Collective LTD - $13,154 • WV Arts Presenters Inc. - $17,138 • Pocahontas County Opera House Foundation - $6,699
