In this grant round, a total of $50,879 was awarded to 29 regional arts activities. The grants are made possible through funding provided by the Minnesota State Legislature. The board plans to award a total of $152,505 in projects this year.
The purpose of the grant is to advance artistic development, to improve delivery of the arts, to explore new ways of providing participatory artistic activities, and to contribute to the artistic community.
"I think an important factor in our receiving the full amount of our request was that we had never applied before," Gretchen Vork said. John Janotta and the Paynesville Area High School served as the fiscal agent for the Koronis Theatre Company when they applied for the grant.
The money will be used to purchase scripts, makeup, to rent lighting, and pay royalty fees ($1,500) for the theatre group's next production, "Into the Woods."
"Into the Woods" is a musical based on fairy tales. Among the characters are Jack and the Bean Stalk, Prince Charming, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and a whole lot more, according to Vork.
The Koronis Theatre Company held tryouts Saturday for the play. They plan on presenting the musical at the end of July.