“Support the Arts Tag” license tag committee awards grants totaling $66,000 at its July meeting

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Alabama Arts License Tag Committee awarded 20 grants totaling $66,000 during a teleconference meeting on July 15, 2020. This round of grants will support arts in education, community arts, literature, folklife, performing, and visual arts programs July 1, 2020 – Sept. 30, 2020.

The Committee makes grants to non-profit organizations, schools, arts organizations, universities, cities, and a wide range of community groups according to the Distinctive License Tags and Plates Legislation. Funds generated by the purchase of the “Support the Arts” license tag greatly benefit arts activities throughout our state.

The recent grants are in response to applications submitted under the June 15, 2020 deadline and represent the second round of grants awarded in the 2020 fiscal year. Dr. Henry Panion III of Birmingham chairs the 6-member Committee which includes: Andy Meadows of Birmingham, Cynthia Thrash of Opelika, Jane Kohl of Guntersville, Donna Russell of Montgomery, and Allison Dillon-Jauken of Huntsville. Committee members are appointed from all regions of the state so there is a geographic representation statewide.

Committee members are appointed according to directives in the legislation mentioned and meet twice annually. The primary responsibility of the Committee is to make decisions on grants awarded that support art programs, and arts education throughout the state.

Committee members serve on a voluntary basis and one member is appointed by each of the following organizations or individuals: the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Alliance Arts Alliance, the State Department of Education, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Alabama citizens may obtain one of these specialty license tags when renewing their auto plate at their county’s Probate Judge’s Office. The Support the Arts license tag can be personalized at no additional fee. By purchasing the arts specialty tag, patrons not only show off a colorful tag, they promote the importance of funding the arts statewide.

For more information about a particular grant, contact Donna Russell, Executive Director or the Alabama Arts Alliance at 334-269-1435 or [email protected]