Representative Phil Haire publicly complained about the state cutting 6300 education jobs and local organizations picking up the crumbs and trimming hours and pay off others in order to save them. Stimulus “saved” 5000 jobs, but that money was a one-time infusion.
Meanwhile, Parks and Recreation departments celebrate awards of state funds for the arts. The City of Asheville, having procured a disbursement from the North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program, is now trying to find places to stash the cash. Persons wanting to own a piece of the bounty may submit applications by September 30. Only hard-copy applications will be accepted.
Applications are available for non-profit organizations whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Buncombe County. Funding priority is given to qualified arts organizations (theaters, galleries, choral societies, festivals), arts in education programs conducted by qualified artists, and other community organizations that provide arts programs in the county. . . . New applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a workshop. Grant applications are evaluated by a diverse panel of community members and approved by the North Carolina Arts Council.
