St. Johns Cultural Council to host reception for State of the Arts Grants recipients

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The St. Johns Cultural Council will host a reception for the State of the Arts (SOTA) Grants recipients and the community to celebrate art organizations and artists on Monday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum of Flagler College in St. Augustine.

The gathering, which will be free and open to the public, will feature compelling stories from artists while guests enjoy light snacks and beverages.

The St Johns Cultural Council (SJCC) provides small grants of up to $500 for arts and cultural activities within St. Johns County. Funding is made possible through revenue from the sale of SOTA license plates. Twice a year, the SJCC SOTA Committee selects worthy programs to fund that enhance and enrich the arts and cultural activities within St. Johns County. Priority is given to proposals for activities that reach underserved audiences, arts education and art in public places. 

The fall 2018 grantees represent a diverse range of cultural activities serving diverse populations. Past funding has included projects such as sewing lessons at the Main Library, where at-risk students were given the chance to learn to create art as an incentive to complete homework. Additionally, community members of all ages had an opportunity to join a drum circle for an educational experience that promotes the arts and to feel a sense of community.  

"These small grants have a big impact," SJCC Executive Director Andrew Witt said. "The St Johns Cultural Council is proud to support so many worthy programs that help youth, elders, schools and artists engage in valuable community development."  

  The Florida Arts License Plate Program was created in 1994. Each license plate generates $20 for this designated fund. The SJCC Board opens the application process for these micro-grants twice a year and awards are made based on the number of art tags sold. This year, the St. Johns Cultural Council received more applications for grants than ever before — making it a highly competitive process. Award winners were selected according to compliance with the grant guidelines.  

The following were offered grants by the St. Johns Cultural Council:

Cyprian Center for Expressive Arts- Granted $500

ACE Arts- Granted $500

Pecha Kucha St. Augustine- Granted $500 

Houndstooth Films- Granted $500

Big Brothers Big Sisters- Granted $250

West African Drum Circles Of Saint Augustine- Granted $500

For more information, visit www.stjohnsculture.com/grants-awards/state-of-the-arts-grant.