Press Release For Immediate Release January 7, 2004 Mayor Williams Announces Nearly $2 Million in Arts Grants (Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced today that during FY 2004, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities awarded nearly $2 million in grants to more than 250 District artists, arts groups and community-based organizations from every ward in the District. Funded projects included arts and educational activities for young people that will reach more than 55 percent of DC Public School students. "A strong arts community is a cornerstone of any thriving city," said Mayor Williams. "I am pleased that our city is becoming a destination - not just for monuments and memorials - but for regional theater, innovative small art galleries and for creative live performances." In addition to DCPS students, grants will help to offer programming for: underserved communities, including seniors and areas east of the Anacostia River; the mentally and physically challenged; homeless individuals; and incarcerated individuals. Funding also will support activities for young people in community and recreation centers. Arts and culture is a $1.4 billion annual industry for the District. Since 1998, Mayor Williams has committed over $10 million to the arts. These funds have supported programs throughout the city, helped to revitalize neighborhoods and created cultural destinations for both residents and visitors. "Every District neighborhood has its own cultural story to tell," DC Arts Commission Executive Director Tony Gittens said. "They are rich with theaters, galleries, exhibitions and performing arts centers that rival the very best offered anywhere else. Mayor William's support-both in-word and in-kind-is critical to their success." Grant recipients were chosen by a peer review panel with expertise in the artistic disciplines, including dance, literature, theater, music and visual arts. Grant applications for FY 2005 programs will be available in spring 2004.