Springfield arts nonprofits receive $76K in grants

The Missouri Arts Council yesterday announced 331 nonprofit arts organizations statewide would receive $4.1 million in funding as part of the state agency's annual grant cycle.

The council, which is a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, is providing 11 grants totaling $76,197 to Springfield organizations,  according to a news release.

“These grants are crucial to helping move Missouri’s economy forward and fortifying the cultural welfare of Missouri communities,” Missouri Arts Council Executive Director Beverly Strohmeyer said in the release. “The arts in Missouri are creating thousands of jobs, playing a significant role in attracting and retaining businesses, attracting tourists, enhancing education and catalyzing community revitalization.”

Springfield recipients are:

• Downtown Springfield Community Cinema, $4,134;
• Drury University, $2,000;
• The Messiah Project Inc., $2,000;
• Springfield Mid-America Singers, $2,077;
• Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, $9,805;
• Springfield Ballet, $4,968;
• Springfield Little Theatre, $11,161;
• Springfield Regional Arts Council, two grants for $19,728 and $5,000;
• Springfield Regional Opera, $3,953; and
• Springfield Symphony Orchestra, $11,371.

The Branson Arts Council also received an $11,352 grant, according to the release.

The Missouri Arts Council also will award monthly grants to roughly 200 organizations during fiscal 2013, which began July 1.