Source of Funds
The County of Dutchess, Annual Corporate Sponsors and individuals like you provide the funding for the Arts Fund. It is a collective, targeted effort to ensure the strength and vitality of our shared cultural assets – the leading arts organizations in our community.

Funding Available
In 2011, the Arts Fund will distribute more than $170,000 to arts organizations, artists, community groups and schools.

Funded Organizations
Arts Fund grants are made to pre-selected organizations, with new organizations added by invitation.

2011 Funded Member Organization grants range from $2,800 to $18,750 and include:

Bardavon 1869 Opera House
Barrett Art Center
Children’s Media Project
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
Mill Street Loft
CENTER for Performing Arts at
Rhinebeck
Upstate Films

2011 Supported Member Organization grants of $1,500 include:

Pawling Concert Series
Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society

Decision Making Process
A panel of experts, which includes artists, representatives from arts groups and other non-profit organiza­tions, business executives, educators and audience members makes recommendations to the DCAC Board of Directors, who make the final decision about who gets funded and how much.  Organizations are reviewed on many criteria, including but not limited to how they meet standards of best practice in management; accountability; outreach; artistic excellence; and the value of their programming to the community at large.

Impact
Organizations supported by the 2010 Arts Fund provided over 350,000 opportunities for community mem­bers to participate in and experience the arts, including 150,000 youth and 75,000 older adults.

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY SAYING ABOUT THE ARTS FUND?

“The Arts Fund grant that the Pawling Concert Series receives helps us to leverage many times that amount as we seek funds to support music in this area. DCAC ROCKS!”

Ned Reade
President, Pawling Concert Series
Boston Brass, Photo Credit: Chip Litherland

“The Arts Council and the Dutchess Arts Fund brings together art lovers and arts organizations through their programs and events, which have helped Children’s Media Project with professional development, networking, exposure, recognition and funding. We would not be where we are today without DCAC or the Arts Fund.”

Nicole Fenichell-Hewitt
Executive Director, Children’s Media Project

“In this time of severe fiscal restraints, DCAC Arts-in-Education grants help sustain arts programming in our schools and draw attention to the importance and value of the arts both in children’s lives and in their education. For many of our students, their experiences in the arts are what propel them to stay in school and to achieve meaningful learning.”

Sue Lesser
Arts In Education Coordinator at
Arlington Central School District

“The Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center’s Funded Member status means both organizations have a trust and a confidence that supports each other’s programs, missions and vision. We appreciate DCAC’s dedication, mentoring and professionalism.”

JoAnn Feigenheimer
Executive Director
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center

“Since the day DCAC and Mid-Hudson Japanese Community Association met, the Folk Arts program staff has been constantly helping us and providing opportunities to present Japanese culture to the general public. I am privileged to say that the awareness and appreciation for Japanese culture has been greatly increased in our community through our collaborative programs.”

Machiko Oldiges
2011 Mid-Hudson Japanese Community Association Chair

Our community deserves a stronger Arts Fund, because the arts provide so much to our creative and culturally-rich community. We are three very different sisters, but speak with one voice when it comes to our passion for the arts in Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Valley and the role that Dutchess County Arts Council plays in creating a nurturing, vital community with thriving schools, innovative businesses, and engaged individuals.  We are delighted to co-chair this year’s campaign, and we hope you will add your support to ours!

Be one of the first to join Greer, Gaye and Gerrie in supporting the 2011 Arts Fund Campaign by making a gift today!