For More Information, Contact:
Jennifer L. Swain, 570-265-7455

For Immediate Release
June 1, 2009

Funding Available for 2009-2010 Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Grants

The Northern Tier Cultural Alliance (NTCA) is pleased to announce the availability of state arts funding through the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) Project Stream grants to support public arts and cultural projects taking place between September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010 in Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Northumberland and Potter Counties. Grant requests cannot exceed $3,000. Applications must be post-marked no later than June 19, 2009. Late applications may not be accepted. Grants are open to non-profit organizations and individuals conducting public arts projects between September 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010.

Two grant workshops will be held within the region covering the PPA grant cycle, eligibility and restrictions, and general grant writing tips. Attendance is not required, but strongly recommended. 2009 workshops will be held:

June 4, 2009 at Noon
Hosted by: Clinton County Arts Council Location: 7 West Main Street, Lock Haven

June 11, 2009 at Noon
Hosted by: Friends of Shikellamy State Park Location: Shikellamy State Park Office, Packer Island between the City of Sunbury and the Borough of Northumberland

NTCA is one of 17 regional service providers selected by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) to administer the PPA Program. NTCA works in partnership with the PCA to design and create initiatives on a regional level that make a significant impact on arts and cultural opportunities in the counties of: Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Northumberland and Potter. Funding for the PPA Program comes from the citizens of Pennsylvania through an annual state appropriation by the Legislature and from a federal grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Funding for the September 2009-August 2010 Program Year are secure. However, funding for future years is in jeopardy. Senate Bill 850 proposes the elimination of all state arts funding - which would mean an end to the PA Partners in the Arts program. This funding has helped organizations and arts projects such as the Billtown Blues Festival, Bald Eagle Art League, Community Theatre League, Clinton County Arts Council, Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass Festival, Cameron County Artisan Center, Millbrook Playhouse, Williamsport-Lycoming Arts Council, Williamsport Ballet, Northumberland County Council on the Arts & Humanities, Friends of Shikellamy State Park, Potter County Fine Arts Council, and the Songwriters Roundtable. Individuals and organizations throughout the region are encouraged to let their legislators know the importance of these programs and organizations and how devastating it would be to lose the PA Partners in the Arts funding.

For more information, contact NTCA at 570-265-7455 or info@ntculturalalliance.org. Guidelines are available online at www.ntculturalalliance.org.

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