AUGUSTA

The Maine Arts Commission has announced its 2016- 17 grant award winners. At its July meeting, the commission approved the process for competitive awards to artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and arts educators throughout the state in the following categories: Creative Aging; Project Grants for Artists in multiple disciplines; Project Grants for Organizations; Partnership Grants; Arts Learning Grants; Organizational Development Grants; Creative Communities = Economic Development (CCED) Cultural Planning Grants and the Jane Morrison Film Fund Award.

“With this grant cycle, the commission continues to expand and strengthen its investment in Maine’s arts and cultural sectors,” said Executive Director Julie Richard. “We’re thrilled to support a greater number of artists, organizations, schools and communities than last year, broadening our impact as we continue to see the need for such support grow in an increasing number of applications.”

Several programs saw 50 percent increases in the number of organizations funded over the previous year, including the Arts Learning, Organizational Development and Partnership Grant programs. The awards include eight Creative Aging grants; 33 Project Grants for Artists; 37 Project Grants for Organizations; 19 Arts Learning Grants; 17 Partnership Grants across organizations in three different categories based on the size of their operating budgets; 14 Organization Development Grants; three CCED Cultural Planning Grants to Portland, Houlton, and Skowhegan; and two Jane Morrison Film Scholarships. In all, $377,000 was distributed in this round with several programs remaining to be adjudicated and funded, including the Maine Artist Fellowships and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship programs. The complete list of awardees and locations can be found at mainearts.maine.gov.

For further information about the Maine Arts Commission’s programs and services, visit mainearts.com.