SAFFORD — Area arts groups have been granted funding by the state’s top arts organization.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Arizona Commission on the Arts announced the Gila Valley Arts Council was awarded an $11,800 Creative Capacity Grant, and the Art Depot of Clifton received a $2,000 Creative Capacity Grant.
According to the Commission, 280 organizations across the state were awarded Creative Capacity Grants in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $57,500. Award amounts are based on the organization’s size and the application’s performance in the competitive review process.
Recipients must “have a primary mission to produce, present, teach, or serve the arts,” according to the grant specifications.
The Gila Valley Arts Council brings performing artists to Graham County who go into the area schools to instruct musical students, as well as stage performances for elementary school children and the general public.
The 2023-24 performing arts season has been announced, with public performances by the bluegrass band Full Cord on Sept. 20, Mirari Brass Quintet on Nov. 15, Mariachi Garibaldi on Feb. 7 and Quarteto Nueva on March 6. Tickets are on sale now at Richard’s Music and the David M. Player Center for the Arts.
The Art Depot of Clifton stages art showings and performances at the Clifton Train Station and Visitors Center. The next event is the annual Colors of Copper juried art show, Nov. 4-5, part of Clifton’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.
Nearby Willcox Theater and Arts Inc. also received a Creative Capacity Grant, in the amount of $29,100. Its next big event is the annual Red Carpet Shindig, Oct. 14, at the Willcox Theater.
