Monmouth Arts Council announces 2007 awards

HOLMDEL - The Monmouth County Arts Council (MCAC) announced its Local Arts Program Grant Awards for Fiscal Year 2007 at a special networking event for members on Sept. 13 at the Holmdel Theatre Company, Holmdel.

The grants will go to local nonprofit arts organizations for a wide range of art exhibitions, concerts, dance, theater, film and other arts events throughout Monmouth County. According to a press release, 31 organizations have been awarded grants, three more than last year. These organizations went through a competitive grant process to receive these awards. A panel of arts experts reviewed the grants and made recommendations which were approved by the MCAC Board of Trustees. Funds for this grant come through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

MCAC was awarded $186,891 for the Local Arts Program including $124,000 to be regranted, $2,000 to be used for minigrants in 2007 and $60,891 for MCAC's arts programs including the Teen Arts Festival, the Juried Art Show and Sale, State of the Art, the Teen Arts Connection, Arts Education Awards, Community Arts Planning and administration. MCAC also received $10,242 for the last year of the Local Arts Staffing Initiative for the communications director position.

The grants include General Operating Support (GOS) for arts organizations, General Program Support (GPS) for other types of nonprofit organizations that have significant arts programs, Special Project Support (SP) for all types of nonprofit organizations, and Technical Assistance (TA).

Among the local organizations receiving grants are:

+ The Arcadian Chorale, Matawan, will expand its concerts and outreach in Monmouth County and advance the professionalism and excellence of the Chorale with more challenging repertory and cross organizational collaborations. Its GOS grant is for $4,335.

+ The Ballet Company of the Performing Arts Ensemble, Red Bank, brings dance classics and new works to the public educating both the dancers and the audience. Outreach programs are available for people with disabilities. Its GOS grant is $8,052.

+ Brookdale Big Band, Lincroft, will hold three concerts featuring local New Jersey performing artists featuring three different styles of jazz. Its SP grant is for $1,000.

+ The Center for Holocaust Studies, Lincroft, will bring "Dear Esther," a theatrical performance on the true life story of New Jersey resident Esther Terner Raab, who escaped from the Sobibor Death Camp during the Holocaust. Its SP grant is $1,000.

+ The Company of Dance Arts, Red Bank, provides children and teens with performance opportunities in classical ballet and other forms of dance that meet professional standards. Its GOS grant is $8,549.

+ Freedom Film Society, Red Bank, promotes adult and student filmmakers from New Jersey by screening their independently made films at the Red Bank International Film Festival with films by artists from across the country. Its GOS grant is $7,002.

+ The Guild of Creative Art, Shrewsbury, holds monthly exhibits of New Jersey visual artists, presents art classes for children and adults, workshops and lectures. Its GOS grant is $2,078.

+ The Holmdel Township Department of Parks & Recreation Bayonet Farm Advisory Committee will hold the Fourth Annual Bayonet Farm Arts & Music Festival featuring artists, potters, musicians, sculptors, a puppet show, storytelling and hands-on projects for children. Its SP grant is $1,000.

+ The Holmdel Theatre Company provides thought-provoking, unusual theater experiences to Monmouth County residents. Local students have the opportunity to learn in a professional theater environment and to perform key roles both on and off stage. Its GOS grant is $2,801.

+ The Middletown Township Cultural & Arts Council provides free and affordable arts activities, events and programs to encourage community involvement in the arts. Its GOS grant is $7,142.

+ The Monmouth Civic Chorus, Red Bank, performs choral works by Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary composers with professional orchestra and soloists, including masterworks, rarely heard choral treasures and recent compositions. Its GOS grant is $16,173.

+ The Monmouth Conservatory of Music, Red Bank, provides quality music education and performance opportunities for students of all ages. Its GOS grant is $8,402.

+ The Monmouth Symphony Orchestra, Red Bank, makes quality live classical music more accessible to county residents and encourages more participation in the musical arts by students and adults. Its GOS grant is $1,960.

+ The New Jersey Chamber Singers, Red Bank, offers an opportunity for vocal musicians to participate in high-quality music making in their community. Its SP grant is $1,000.

+ Phoenix Productions, Red Bank, produces four main stage musical productions, a summer camp, and studio productions that attract and nurture local talent. Its GOS grant is $5,601.

+ The Red Bank Chamber Music presents and performs classical chamber music concerts of the highest professional level and lowest or no ticket cost, to enable people of all ages, especially children, to discover and enjoy this delightful musical experience. Its SP grant is $1,000.

+ The Red Bank Rivercenter's StreetLife is a free program that brings the arts and artists to the street of Red Bank. As an economic development tool StreetLife brings people into the downtown to shop and dine stimulating the evening economy. Its SP grant is $4,901.