Arts Grant Made to Wilkes Group

A state grant will help a local group continue its programs in the arts. The Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes will receive a nearly 22-thousand dollar grant from the Grassroots Arts Program, which will be used to provide funding for a number of programs. Created in 1977 by the General Assembly, the Grassroots Arts Program provides funding to each county on a per capita basis. A national model for other state arts agencies, the program was developed by Mary B. Regan, the executive director of the North Carolina Arts Council. The Grassroots Arts Program is unique since it empowers local arts councils and arts organizations to plan programs and projects for their citizens that reflect the arts and cultural traditions and resources specific to their area. By providing funding for localized efforts, the North Carolina Arts Council fosters a sense of pride in local communities and increases citizen participation in and ownership of local programs.