SCHENECTADY COUNTY ART GROUPS CONTINUE TO RECEIVE SUPPORT
Posted on: 01/07/09 Jackie Sher email: news@spotlightnews.com
From bedrooms to galleries, Schenectady County’s Community Initiative Arts Grant Program (CIP) will continue for the 2009-2010 year.
Dedicated funds from Schenectady County’s Hotel/Motel Bed Tax will be distributed to local organizations in support of activities in historic preservation and the performing, visual and literary arts. Applications for this year are due by Friday, Feb. 13.
“We get probably in the neighborhood of 30 and 40 applications each year. … The monetary requests have been increasing over the years, but the number of applications have stayed about steady,” said Wendy Voelker, Schenectady County’s special events coordinator.
Last year, between 20 and 25 grants were awarded, ranging in amounts between $3,000 and $4,000 on average, she said.
“It’s a very competitive process because we only have about $36,000 dollars to redistribute,” said Voelker.
Any organizations serving Schenectady County community may apply. The following guidelines apply:
• Proposed projects must take place between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, allowing the county to offer year-round support to organizations.
• Additional consideration will be given to those organizations who demonstrate collaboration with other Schenectady County nonprofit organizations to complete the project.
• Additional consideration will be given to projects that are proposed as part of an existing or proposed Schenectady County Special Event or as part of the Schenectady County Bicentennial Celebration in 2009.
Voelker said over the years, organizations that have applied include the Schenectady Heritage Area and the Kids Arts Fest. Funding went to the Schenectady Heritage Area for their Jazz on Jay Program, which features free jazz concerts every Thursday at noon during the summer in downtown Schenectady. The funding was used to pay for musicians. Funding for the Kids Arts Fest went towards hiring artists and musicians for the event. Funding also typically goes towards advertising for various happenings throughout the county.
“Schenectady County is proud of our County Initiative Program,” said Susan Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature in a written statement.
Grant awards are not guaranteed from year to year — awardees must re-apply each grant cycle — and applicants are required to be project specific in their proposal; requests for general operating support will not be considered.
“Historic preservation allows us to recognize the value of our rich heritage, and a thriving arts community is at the heart of the exceptional quality of life found here in Schenectady County. We are pleased to support those organizations that continue to make Schenectady County a great place to live and raise a family,” said Savage.
What another waste of money while the elderly and poor are struggling to keep their houses while the taxes are astronomic! Think about this- if YOU give to charity, then the charity gets your money, 100% of it. If it has to be doled by the government, the government gets their cut off the top! @&!%(@@_&*@%#^&@ SOB's!
I say, if someone wants to support artists and the arts THEN PAY FOR IT VOLUNTARILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not buying the argument it is people who lodge here so it has no effect on "our" taxpayers. Did you ever travel and wonder why every stupid municipality thinks that way? It drives up the cost of lodging and makes people who DO VISIT have less to spend on the local private sector economy.
Brad, were there any legislators in history who had the balls to stand up against this crap, ever? Please tell me a few have.
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
The Special Events Coordinator should be fired. The tax which is a complete ripoff on travelers and business people should be ended. This is so Schenectady County that it is sickening. And it is cheered on by the horrible Spotlight like it's some great achievement.
All art, including Proctor's, needs to become self funded or close. If it's decent art it will find a market and buyers. Government art is by definition bad art. Doubt any legislator other than Joe Suhrada would stand up for the taxpayer and against this ripoff.
The All art, including Proctor's, needs to become self funded or close. If it's decent art it will find a market and buyers. Government art is by definition bad art. Doubt any legislator other than Joe Suhrada would stand up for the taxpayer and against this ripoff.
Although I agree, don't get your hopes up here. It all boils down to votes, power and patronage. It has NOTHING to do with watching out for the taxpayers. Although Suhrada does and outstanding job of fighting for the taxpayers, we need more like him. Many more! IMHO
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
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The Special Events Coordinator should be fired. The tax which is a complete ripoff on travelers and business people should be ended. This is so Schenectady County that it is sickening. And it is cheered on by the horrible Spotlight like it's some great achievement. 
