Morgan Arts Council awards several grants

The Morgan Arts Council recently awarded $3,000 in matching grants to a half dozen arts-related programs in the county.

"Changes in funding from the state made this the final year for these mini-grants," said Anne Beckley, MAC's interim Executive Director. "MAC was able to distribute more than $15,000 to other local arts groups during the years of this program."

Those receiving $500 matching grants for the first time this year were the Morgan County Fair to support local music at the fair; the Paw Paw High School Band for music and travel; Travel Berkeley Springs to print the Arts and Culture brochure and upgrade the arts section on the travel site; and the Berkeley Springs Studio Tour to assist with promotion and advertising.

Two additional grants were awarded to the Morgan Community Concert Band for new music, and the Ice House Artist Co-op for banners and signs.

"We were happy to assist with all these programs," said Beckley. "Since the groups had to at least match the amount MAC provided, we can account for more than $30,000 in additional arts spending over the six years of the program." Beckley listed more than a dozen groups or individuals that have received funds since the first was awarded in 2007. "This project has made a great contribution to MAC's mission of getting art out there."

Funds for the project were provided by the regranting program of the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.