Arts stimulus money

Maine Government News

Governor John E. Baldacci today signed a certification to request funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for the arts in Maine. The Maine Arts Commission will be distributing nearly $300,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts to arts and cultural institutions in Maine for job retention.

“These funds will help our cultural organizations that contribute so much to the character of Maine, including our creative economy, downtown revitalization and cultural tourism,” Governor Baldacci said. “The arts provide economic stability to our state both through direct jobs and ripple impacts as well as a creative outlet for thousands of our citizens. Whether as an artist or a spectator experiencing music, theater, painting, sculpting or photography, the arts play an extremely important role in our society.”

The State of Maine will receive $293,100 through a formula based on population. The Maine Arts Commission will deliver the funds through a competitive grant process. Funds will be distributed by the end of June in $10,000 maximum grant awards to nonprofit arts organizations.

The Recovery Act stipulates that the Governor of any state or agency thereof requesting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds must certify not later than 45 days after enactment of the Act that the state will request and use the funds. The deadline for Governor’s certification is April 3, 2009.

Governor Baldacci was joined for the signing by the Chair of the Maine Arts Commission John Rohman, Director of the Maine Arts Commission Donna McNeil, and several supporters of the arts from throughout the State of Maine.

For more information on the Maine Arts Commission, visit http://www.mainearts.com