RICHMOND, Va. -- On Oct. 9 as a result of the national and state economic problems, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine ordered spending cuts for state agencies, including a 15 percent reduction in state funds for the Virginia Commission for the Arts for 2008-09.
The following actions are being taken by the Arts Commission:
* The 2008-09 Teacher Incentive Grant program has been cancelled.
* There will be no waiting list funds for the performing arts touring assistance program.
* No further applications will be accepted for 2008-09 for Technical Assistance, Technology Enhancement, or Writers in Virginia grants.
* The second payments on all 2008-09 General Operating Support, Project Grants, and Services to the Field grants will be reduced by 82 percent. These reduced payments will be made upon receipt of the final reports on the grant activities.
There has been no announcement about state spending cuts for 2009-2010. The Arts Commission will notify the field about any changes in the grants programs for 2009-2010 as soon as possible. The Art Works for Virginia conference will take place as planned in Richmond, Jan. 27-29, 2009. Registration brochures will be mailed in early December.
