The St. Johns Cultural Council’s Tommy Bledsoe State of the Arts Grant Program, which funds artistic development for art, culture and heritage parks within St. Johns County, is accepting applications until Oct. 31.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the annual grant program is awarding $25,000 – two $5,000 and 10 $1,500 grants – to individual artists or arts organizations residing in the county.
According to a news release from the SJCC, nonprofit organizations, individual artists and public schools may apply for funds to expand or initiate new programs for arts in education, music, dance, folk arts, humanities, literature, film, theatre and musical theatre, visual arts, or a collection or exhibition of cultural or artistic works.
Individual artists may also apply for grants to fund professional development.
Proposals are evaluated for quality, impact and originality. Proposals for activities that reach underserved audiences, provide arts education and create art in public places receive priority.
Grant funds are generated through SOTA license plates.
The St. Johns Cultural Council Tommy Bledsoe State of the Arts (SOTA) Grant Program is accepting applications until Oct. 31. The annual grant program funds artistic development for art, culture, and heritage parks within St. Johns County. Resilience Family Fest received a SOTA Grant in 2022.
Jeff Potts, SJCC’s executive director, said that he was pleased to award the grants.
“When you choose to purchase one of these plates, you’re putting money directly in the hands of local creatives,” he said in the release.
Originally called the State of the Arts Grant Program, the SJCC recently renamed the grant program the St. Johns Cultural Council Tommy Bledsoe State of the Arts Grant Program to honor Tommy Bledsoe, a SJCC Board member, SOTA Grant Committee Chair, local musician, arts educator and creative evangelist.
The St. Johns Cultural Council Tommy Bledsoe State of the Arts (SOTA) Grant Program is accepting applications until Oct. 31. The annual grant program funds artistic development for art, culture, and heritage parks within St. Johns County. Third Space Improv received a SOTA Grant in 2023.
While serving on the SJCC board of directors, Bledsoe helped to develop the SOTA program.
“I’m flabbergasted that this grant is now named after me,” he said in the release. “I’m so honored, and I hope that the legacy of this program continues to bring inspiration and connection to the amazing arts community in St. Johns County.”
Applicants must be St. Johns County residents or organizations based in St. Johns County. All grant activities, other than artist professional development, must take place within St. Johns County, Florida.
Click here for grant information.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Johns Cultural Council accepting applications for its art grants
