Colorado Council on the Arts

Elaine Mariner, Executive Director of the Colorado Council on the Arts, announced July 2, 2009 that the Wyly Community Arts Center is the recipient of a Colorado Council of the Arts grant in the amount of $5,900. The grant has been awarded to support our visual art programs with the Valley schools and the Youth Recovery Center.

The Colorado Council on the Arts awarded 128 grants totaling $907,000 to select individuals, organizations and government agencies in 33 counties. The total grant funds are 25% less than last year, reflecting the state’s overall budget reductions.

“These grants support the creative individuals and community organizations which are key building blocks to Colorado’s Creative Economy, “ said Elaine Mariner, executive director of the Council. “Our recent study showed there are over 186,000 jobs in the creative sector, making it our state’s fifth largest industry cluster. By investing in this sector’s vitality, Colorado reaps the benefits of jobs, economic growth, and a quality of life that positions us to compete in the 21st century.”

The Wyly Community Art Center is very grateful for this important award and for the recognition that our mission of “fostering creative expression in the visual arts art for all ages and abilities” is considered vital and essential to the growth and development of arts and culture in our state.