Stimulus Bill Funds Jobs In The Arts

Kansas City, MO – State arts agencies and regional arts organizations will soon be infused with $20 million from the federal stimulus package. The National Endowment for the Arts will distribute the funds as part of an effort to jumpstart the economy. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.

Kansas Arts Commission Executive Director Llewelyn Crain says the funds are to be used specifically for grant recipients to preserve jobs in the arts. The amount of the grants will range between $5,000 and $40,000.

According to Crain, there are stringent reporting requirements and guidelines. "They have to demonstrate that their organization may lose jobs or has lost jobs due to the economic downturn."

The Kansas Arts Commission is slated to receive $302,000; the Missouri Arts Council, just over $320,000; and the Mid-America Arts Alliance, $444,000.

In July, the NEA will announce a second category of grants: $30 million for direct support of nonprofit arts organizations. This sector has been hit by a significant decline in philanthropic and other support during the economic downturn.