RICHMOND, VA -- As a result of the poor economy and declining state revenues, state funding for the Virginia Commission for the Arts has already been reduced by more than 30%. Further cuts are being proposed for 2010-11, forcing the Commission to suspend some funding categories completely and reduce the level of funding in all remaining categories.
In making these difficult decisions about the grant programs, the Commission focused on its primary goal of making the arts accessible to all Virginians. The mix of grant programs provides opportunities for both established and emerging arts organizations to receive support from the Commission. The Commission hopes to restore the grant programs that have been suspended as soon as the state economy improves.
For 2010-11 the Commission has made the following changes in the grant programs:
-- Suspend the Technology Enhancement Grants.
-- Restrict Technical Assistance Grants to arts organizations not receiving General Operating Support from the Commission.
-- Limit eligible activities in the Project Grant category to operating support for new and emerging arts organizations, commissions of new work, new or expanded arts education programs, and new or expanded performances and exhibitions.
-- Suspend the Artist Fellowships.
-- Cancel the Teacher Incentive Grant program.
In addition, the Commission has changed the audit requirement in the guidelines for funding. Effective July 1, 2010: AGeneral Operating Support grantees that have a budget size of $600,000 or more for two consecutive years will be required to have an annual audit. Organizations that have just reached the budget minimum will have a one year grace period before filing the audit with the Commission.
Please note that the Commission will not print the Guidelines for Funding 2010-11. The guidelines are available on the Commission website (www.arts.virginia.gov). The Commission staff will be happy to print out a copy of the complete guidelines from the website and mail them, if requested to do so.
