August 25, 2020 – On Friday, Aug. 14, Arts Council of Greater Morgantown (Arts Council), which
was formerly known as Arts Mon, Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia (YCF),
City of Morgantown and Monongalia County Commission presented six Organizational Arts Grant
checks to awarded recipients at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater at Riverfront Park. While in
previous years, this would have been a public media opportunity, this remained a private presentation
due to COVID-19.
For more than three years, YCF has partnered with the Art Council’s Grant Committee to review
funding requests from local arts organizations. More than 40 grants, which total more than
$600,000 in funds, have been awarded since the collaborative efforts were established. The
Committee reviews all submitted applications and connects the creative community to the
generous resources that the City of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission, and the
Douglas H. Tanner Memorial Fund for the Arts contribute to support and grow the arts locally.
“The Commission is very pleased with what is being achieved in the arts community by these
grants, as this is proof that a collaborative effort can work and we all benefit,” said Monongalia
County Commissioner, Ed Hawkins. “Arts Council deserves high praise for their efforts on
behalf of the Commission, City of Morgantown and YCF.”
During this year’s Organizational Arts Grant presentation, six groups received checks for a
variety of creative initiatives including Monongalia Arts Center, Morgantown Art Party,
Morgantown History Museum, Morgantown Theatre Company, PopShopWV, and West Virginia
Public Theatre. Due to COVID-19, additional organizations will be presented with their checks at
a later date.
“The City of Morgantown is proud to be a key funder supporting the Organizational Arts Grants
and congratulates all of this year’s recipients,” said City of Morgantown Director of Arts and
Cultural Development, Vincent Kitch. “Arts and culture play an important role in our community
and the City is committed to supporting artists and arts organizations who provide programs and
services for our residents and visitors alike.”
The mission of the Organizational Arts Grant program is to broaden base support for the arts,
promote excellence in the arts and ensure that our community has a variety of arts programs.
The grant structure and criteria were developed, and are continuously improved, by the
committee of volunteers, represented by individual artists and arts organizations, also with the
support of the funding entities.
“Despite the ‘new normal’ we are adapting to at this time, art is still happening in our
community,” said Grant Committee Chair, Patrick Kirby. “This was a great way for the City of
Morgantown and Monongalia County Commission to come together to facilitate the funding of
arts organizations and other creative initiatives in Greater Morgantown.”
For more Organizational Arts Grant information, visit YCFWV.org.
About Arts Council of Greater Morgantown: The Arts Council provides the infrastructure and
support to foster a thriving creative community in the Greater Morgantown area. Through our
advocacy and Creative Network, we ensure that our region’s artistic industries are recognized
for their cultural impact and their contribution to the region’s economy.
About Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc.: YCF’s mission is
to promote philanthropy and build endowment funds to benefit our community.