Launching the Alabama Arts Recovery Program

Arts organizations can submit applications for operating support beginning July 1

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Alabama State Council on the Arts announces a special grant application opening on Thursday, July 1. The Alabama Arts Recovery Program is supported by recent American Rescue Plan stimulus funding for arts organizations.  

$814,100 in funding from the National Endowment for the Arts is designated for the arts industry recovery effort in Alabama. The deadline to apply is Sunday, July 18, by 5:00 p.m. 

As arts organizations return to providing in-person exhibitions, concerts, performances, readings and programming to Alabamians, the Council on the Arts recognizes the need for financial support for various operating costs, including personnel fees, facility costs, health safety supplies, marketing/promotion and technology and equipment. 

Alabama arts organizations are economic drivers, bringing tourism to communities and providing thousands of jobs statewide. Alabama Arts Recovery Program grants will help eligible small, medium and large arts organizations sustain operations, with grants of $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 and $25,000 available.  

“Throughout the pandemic, the Council has supported Alabama’s arts and culture sector through our grants, including Alabama CARES About the Arts: Emergency Relief Grants, which provided funding for virtual programming and continued operations. As arts organizations across the state safely reopen and return to in-person operations, we have the opportunity to continue supporting recovery through the Alabama Arts Recovery Program,” said Dr. Elliot Knight, the Council’s executive director.  

“These federal funds will provide support for the general operating costs, allowing organizations to continue providing artistic opportunities and creative experiences to our citizens and communities.”   

The focus of the Alabama Arts Recovery Program is operating costs that assist Alabama’s wide range of arts organizations. Grants focused on programming are available through the Council’s annual grants cycle. The application portal reopens July 1, with the next deadline coming September 1, 2021. 

For more details about the Alabama Arts Recovery Program, visit arts.alabama.gov/aarp.html.