Pa., NJ arts group get $2 million in federal support

Pennsylvania arts groups will receive $1.475 million in federal stimulus funds to help make up for falling donations during the current economic crisis.

New Jersey groups will receive $600,000 of the $50 million in grants awarded nationwide by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The $50 million comes from the $750 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The largest Pennsylvania recipient is the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, an umbrella group which will receive $250,000, according to the NEA.

Other Philadelphia area recipients include the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Arden Theater, Peoples Light & Theater Co., and the Pennsylvania Ballet, each of which will receive $50,000.

In New Jersey, the only organization south of Trenton to receive a grant was Rutgers Unversity in Camden, which was awarded $50,000 to present arts programs.

Julie Hawkins, vice president of public policy for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, said, "We are thrilled to be able to bring the money to Philadelphia."

The organization is accepting applications from arts groups seeking assistance.

"We've had a good amount of people call us," she said, even though the application has only been posted on the organization's Web site on Wednesday.

Candidates for the money must turn in applications by July 24.

Information sessions will be held at the organization's office in the upcoming weeks for anyone interested in applying for a grant. Visit the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's Web site at http://www.philaculture.org for details.

The complete list of federal grant recipients can be found at http://www.arts.gov/grants/recent/09grants/states2/arra_states.html