VENTURA, CALIFORNIA.- For February’s one-time, $150,000 Arts Grants Program, an impressive 55 artists and arts organizations submitted applications requesting $626,000 – sending a clear message to us in the Cultural Affairs Division and beyond regarding the real need for funding for the arts community,” said Manager Consuelo Underwood in announcing arts grantees today.



At the direction of Ventura’s City Council, the Cultural Affairs Division made available to area artists and arts organizations $150,000 in funds remaining from the Downtown Cultural District Challenge Grant Program. The funds were awarded for artist fellowships and general operating expenses for arts organizations.



A panel of five arts professionals – Jack Reilly, David Oliveira, Meg Linton, Michael Arndt and David Pier – representing a broad spectrum of arts experience and expertise met on February 26 to review applications by Ventura County arts organizations and individual artists, who were invited to observe firsthand the evaluation process. The panel’s recommendations were subsequently approved by the Cultural Affairs Commission at its meeting of February 28.



“I want to thank the dedicated panel of art professionals and everyone who submitted an application to the revised Arts Grants Program,” continued Underwood. “The panel was very impressed with the variety and quality of our arts community.” The individuals and organizations funded are as follows:



Large Arts Organizations (annual budget greater than $50,000): Buenaventura Art Association - $5,000, Channel Islands Ballet - $10,000, Focus on the Masters - $15,000, New West Symphony - $10,000, Rubicon Theatre Co. - $20,000, Ventura Chamber Music Festival - $10,000, Ventura County Arts Council - $5,000



Small Arts Organizations (annual budget less than $50,000): California Poets in the Schools - $5,000, Channel Islands Indie Film Festival - $10,000, Kids’ Art/Westside



Artist Fellowships: Paul Benavidez -$4,000, Michele Chapin - $2,000, Dawne Fowkes - $2,000, Julia Garcia - $2,000, Donna Granata - $4,000, Elijah Imlay - $4,000, Jeff Kaiser - $4,000, Paul Lindhard - $4,000, Michael Pedziwiatr - $2,000, Gordon Punt - $4,000, Eric Richards - $4,000, Shelley Savren - $2,000, Helle Scharling-Todd - $4,000, Lis Schwitters - $2,000, Don Ulrich - $2,000, Hiroko Yoshimoto - $4,000



The 2002-2003 Arts Grants Program begins April 30 when applications will be available by mail or website at www.ci.ventura.ca.us. Approximately $104,000 will be offered by the City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division to Ventura County artists and arts organizations. The deadline for submitting applications is June 10, 2002.