Heartland Creative Corps Announces Recipients of Inaugural Grant Program, Distributing Over $3 Million to Artists in Merced, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties.
[Merced, CA] - The Heartland Creative Corps is thrilled to announce the recipients of its inaugural grant program, awarding a total of $3,384,172 to support arts projects in Merced, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties. The Heartland Creative Corps is a collaborative effort by The Merced Arts Council, Stanislaus Arts Council, and Tuolumne County Arts, with United Way of Merced County as the Administering Organization and United Way of Stanislaus County providing valuable outreach assistance.
A rigorous selection process was undertaken, with panelists reviewing over 160 grant applications and approximately $18.7 million in funding requests. The projects were evaluated using a comprehensive 6-point scale to ensure that the chosen initiatives exemplified artistic excellence and community impact. By July 2024, these funded arts projects are expected to generate approximately 400 jobs or 28.79 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) across the three counties. The artists, cultural workers, and nonprofit organizations involved will bring their creative talents to produce inspiring works that will enrich the cultural landscape of the region.
“The significance of supporting artists in our Valley cannot be overstated,” said Rob Hypes, Interim CEO of United Way of Merced County. “Art is a fundamental part of our daily lives, shaping our experiences, preserving our histories, and fostering connections. With the Creative Corp program by the California Arts Council and the state’s commitment, we are finally acknowledging the vital role that art plays in our lives. This investment empowers artists to create something truly unique for their communities, generating additional revenue and enhancing the well-being of our region.”
“These grants will not only fuel the creative endeavors of artists, cultural workers, and nonprofits but also contribute to the overall prosperity of the communities involved,” emphasized program manager, Janet Kasper. “By investing in the arts, the Heartland Creative Corps nurtures a thriving arts sector that stimulates local economies, attracts visitors, and enhances residents’ quality of life.”
The distribution of these awards is projected to generate approximately $3.2 million in additional economic impact in the Merced, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne communities. For more information on the inspiring projects funded by the Heartland Creative Corps grant program, please visit www.heartlandcreativecorps.org/recipients.
About Heartland Creative Corps:
The Heartland Creative Corps is a collaborative effort by The Merced Arts Council, Stanislaus Arts Council, and Tuolumne County Arts, dedicated to supporting arts projects and fostering a vibrant artistic community in Merced, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties. With the valuable partnership of United Way of Merced County and United Way of Stanislaus County, the Heartland Creative Corps aims to nurture artistic excellence, promote community engagement and create lasting impact through the power of the arts.
