ArtsFairfax supports local art groups
ArtsFairfax has distributed a total of nearly $592,000 to support the operations of 56 arts organizations in Fairfax County and Falls Church.
The following five arts organizations based in Mason District are among the grant recipients:
- American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras – The best young classical musicians in the D.C. area are selected to perform in one of seven orchestras and six ensembles. The organization is based at the Packard Center at 4026 Hummer Road in Annandale.
- Artisans United Inc. – A collection of craft guilds, whose members exhibit and sell their works at the Artisans United Craft Gallery at the Packard Center.
- BalletNova Center for Dance – A ballet school at 3443 Carlin Springs Road in Bailey’s Crossroads.
- Providence Players of Fairfax – A community theater that presents plays at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church.
- Sopranessence – A vocal ensemble that “reboots classical music” through innovative arrangements. Performances are often held at the United Baptist Church at 7100 Columbia Pike, Annandale.
The Operating Support Grants, announced by ArtsFairfax on Aug. 5, provide critical funding for the basic operation of local arts nonprofits, not for specific projects. As such, grantees have a lot of flexibility in how they use the funds.
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The five arts organizations in Mason District received a total of $79,000.
The American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and BalletNova received the largest grants in Mason, in the $25,000 to $55,000 range, says Allison Mui, ArtsFairfax’s director of advocacy and communications. The lowest grant tier is $1,000 to $5,000.
Award eligibility is based on an organization’s budget from its most recently completed fiscal year. Organizations with budgets under $100,000 can request an award up to 25 percent of their expenses, with a maximum award request of $15,000.
Organizations with budgets over $100,000 can request an award up to 15 percent of their expenses, up to a maximum of $60,000. Mui says ArtsFairfax didn’t approve any $60,000 grants in Fairfax County.
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