The Alameda County Arts Commission will award grants next year to programs and individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life in the county by nurturing a thriving environment for the arts, promoting economic opportunities for local artists and arts organizations.

The ARTSFUND Grants Program supports all types of arts programming such as dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and multidisciplinary arts programs.

Last year's ARTSFUND program awarded grants of $1,000 to $2,400 to 35 nonprofit organizations throughout the county. During the 2013 funding cycle, between 35-45 arts organizations may be awarded grants.

The Arts Commission staff will host two free workshops to assist organizations in preparing their grant applications. Reservations are required. Workshops will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Fremont Main Library in Fremont and Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Alameda County Lakeside Plaza Building in Oakland.

Contact the Arts Commission at artscommission@acgov.org or phone (510) 208-9646 to RSVP to attend a workshop at least seven days prior to the workshop date.

ARTSFUND Grants program guidelines and applications for Alameda County nonprofit organizations can be found at the Arts Commission website www.acgov.org/arts (click on "Programs").

Standard grants awards are $1,000 each. The application deadline is March 1, 2013.

Funding for the ARTSFUND Grants Program is provided by the county of Alameda, individual contributions submitted with county property tax payments and donations to the Foundation for the Arts in Alameda County.

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