(NASHVILLE, TN), June 22, 2010 – State Senator Diane Black (R- Gallatin) and State Representative Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville) announced today that three Sumner County arts organizations will receive a combined $18,200 in grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission.  The organizations include VSA Arts Tennessee, which will receive grants for $4,900 and $1,400, the Hendersonville Arts Council, which will receive $4,800, and the Tennessee Women’s Theater Project, which will receive $7,100. 

“We are delighted that the Tennessee Arts Commission allocated grant money for these worthy arts efforts in our area,” said Senator Black.  “These grants will be used to promote the arts in our community.”  

“The Tennessee Art’s Commission’s matching grants are made possible through an appropriation of funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates," Rep. Maggart added.  "These funds enable us to promote the arts so that it will be part of the heritage for future generations of Tennesseans."

The Tennessee Arts Commission will award over 850 community grants for the 2011 fiscal year, totaling $7.3 million. The allocation process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and a final review by the full 15-member Tennessee Arts Commission. 

Rep. Maggart serves the 45th House District, which includes portions of Sumner County and Senator Black represents Sumner and Robertson Counties in the 18th Senate District.  The Tennessee Arts Commission is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences, ensure the citizens of Tennessee have access to and participate in the arts.  Additional information is available at www.arts.state.tn.us.