Governor Rell Announces $4 Million in Expanded Grants for Arts Organizations

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced $4 million in new and expanded grant program opportunities for attractions and organizations throughout the state. For more information on these grants or for grant applications and guidelines, visit www.cultureanstourism.org.

"The new partnerships and programs that will be established as a result of these grants will create jobs," said Governor Rell. "When we provide operating support to Connecticut's arts organizations and encourage inter-disciplinary partnerships, we create a climate of growth and prosperity. These funds will provide lasting support for our culture and tourism marketing efforts and enable state arts groups to develop new products. All of these efforts are designed to stimulate this growing industry and make it an even stronger jobs engine."

The $4 million will be distributed to a marketing grant program, an operating support grant program, a special initiative grant program and an Arts in Education program. The funds were allocated in the 2007-2008 budget.

"With these additional funds, the Commission will better assist more of its constituents by addressing their needs, from basic operating support to new and innovative marketing projects," said Karen Senich, acting executive director of the Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT). "Each of these grants allow for programs and projects that strengthen our organizations, all of which make Connecticut a rich and exciting place to live."

CCT Marketing Grant Program
The new marketing grant program creates partnerships between CCT and its constituents, supports product development efforts and extends CCT's strategic marketing efforts. These grants require matching funds and are available to arts, history, film and tourism entities.

The marketing grant program includes Culture & Tourism Challenge Grants and Culture & Tourism Co-Operative Grants:

Culture & Tourism Challenge Grants - Modeled after the successful Tourism Marketing Grants available from the former Connecticut Tourism Council and State Tourism Office, these grants are designed to assist non-profit culture and tourism organizations or sites in their efforts to promote attractions and events. The minimum grant funds that may be requested are $7,500 and the maximum is $30,000. Projects must begin no earlier than April 1, 2008 and end no later than May 30, 2009. The grant application deadline is December 21, 2007.

Culture & Tourism Co-Operative Grants - These grants are intended to provide valuable strategic marketing partnerships to all CCT constituents and extend the statewide marketing and regional tourism district funds allocated by the State of Connecticut. Constituents may apply for matching grants for billboard or print and Internet advertising, market research or strategic marketing planning. Grant applications are due by December 21, 2007.

General Operating Support Program and Education in Arts Program
The expanded General Operating Support (GOS) program provides matching grants to arts organizations to assist with administrative and/or programming expenses. A recipient organization may apply the funds toward any aspect of its operations to support activities the best advance its overall mission. GOS promotes greater stability for organizations and helps make quality art programming available to Connecticut's residents.

Funds will be distributed among 132 arts organizations to augment the GOS grants awarded in July 2007. Many of those organizations can expect to see their initial award double; others will see a significant increase in the award's impact on their operating budget.

The new Arts in Education program supports new or expanded programming for early learning and underserved youth that takes place beyond traditional school day hours.

Special Initiative Grant Program
The Special Initiative Grant program encourages and nurtures unique and creative projects and partnerships that advance culture and tourism in Connecticut. Proposed projects must have a statewide impact and demonstrate cross-discipline purpose and activity. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

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