COUNTY BOARD TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR DANE ARTS NEED GRANT PROGRAM

May 20, 2021
County Board Chair Analiese Eicher, (608) 571-6823

 

The Dane County Board of Supervisors will hold its regular virtual meeting tonight at 7:00pm. On the agenda is a resolution to add funds to the Dane Arts Need Grant Program.

 

Citing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the local artist community, the Dane Arts Need Grant Program, which was established in 2020 with $100,000 in CARES Act funds, offered grants of up to $500 to support local artists.

 

"The past year has impacted everyone in different ways. Artists are no different, and it is important that we acknowledge the critical role they play in our community," said County Board Chair Analiese Eicher.

 

The resolution for consideration by the County Board would add $1 million to this program. These funds will come from Dane County’s American Rescue Plan allocation. The program is administered by Dane Arts and will provide financial support for working artists in Dane County.

 

"As a member of the Dane Arts and　Cultural Affairs Commission, I hear countless stories from artists who have been severely impacted by the pandemic.　 I’m happy we’re able to allocate these funds to support their work," said County Board Supervisor Yogesh Chawla (District 6).　　

 

If approved, the program will award $2,500 grants to eligible working artists. The application guidelines are available on the Dane Arts website. Applications will be reviewed by a five- member committee, including three members of the Cultural Affairs Commission and two community members.

 

The agenda for the meeting is available here, along with information for the public to attend as well as to register to speak.