Local artists and organizations have until Thursday, April 30, to apply for a 2020 United Arts Appeal Projects Pool grant. One of the 2019 grants supported last October’s Fredonia Mini Maker Faire. Among the many arts activities at the Faire was the Musical Petting Zoo, where youngsters could try out various musical instruments. Submitted Photo.

JAMESTOWN — Thursday, April 30, is the new deadline to submit applications to the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County (UAA) Projects Pool Grants Program.

“We recognize that many in Chautauqua County are currently experiencing stress,” said UAA President Julie Newell. “While our application process is not complicated, we hope that an additional 15 days will encourage artists and organizations to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”

An artist who has been a Chautauqua County resident for at least one year and works in any artistic discipline — including but not limited to crafts, choreography, film, fiction, poetry, printmaking, sculpture, painting, video, play writing, performance, music composition and photography — may apply for funding. Priority will be given to those applicants who demonstrate that a grant would have significant impact on their careers.

Eligible organizations must have non-profit status and may include libraries, municipalities, churches and other community groups.

Applications for grants up to $500 are accepted online. All applications are screened for eligibility and fulfillment of requirements, then an advisory panel of artists and community leaders reviews them and presents recommendations to the UAA board for approval. Winners are announced by late May.

Application information and funding criteria can be found on the Grants page at UnitedArtsAppeal.org

In 2019, United Arts Appeal grants were awarded to:

Audubon Community Nature Center: Fairy Festival Cut-Outs

Citizens for a Better Cassadaga: Summer Concert Series on Cassadaga Lake

E2CCB Educational Foundation: Fredonia Mini Maker Faire

Great Lakes FX: Fur, Fish, and Feathers

Jamestown Parks, Recreation and Conservation Dept.: 2019 Summer Bandshell Concert Series

Patterson Library: Music Together with Kay Barlow

Sinclairville Free Library: Write Circle Anthology “Road Trip”

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church: St. Luke’s Community Messiah Sing-Along

In addition to funding Projects Pool grant recipients, the United Arts Appeal provides operating support for seven of the larger arts organizations in Chautauqua County: Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet, Community Music Project, 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Jamestown Concert Association, Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra.

The United Arts Appeal is supported by Chautauqua County, local foundations, corporations and businesses, and individuals throughout the county.

For more information about the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County, visit UnitedArtsAppeal.org. Details of programs and performances offered by each member organization can be found by clicking on their websites on the UAA Members page.

Contributions to United Arts Appeal, PO Box 754, Jamestown, NY 14702 are greatly appreciated.