NORMAN, OK – The Norman Arts Council Hotel-Motel Tax Grant program awarded $145,750 to 28 projects from 18 organizations in the Norman art community for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

The grants awarded range from $1,800 to $12,000. Projects awarded include: Jazz in June, Inc.’s 30^th anniversary event, which will occur June 30, 2013, The Performing Arts Studio’s Summer Breeze Concert Series, Children’s Arts Network’s Children’s Chorus Winter and Spring Concerts, and many more.

“Norman is a community that supports quality arts programming,” said Larry Walker, NAC Grants Committee chair. “These funds impact many sectors of our city, from educational activities to large festivals. In addition, the required matching funds translate into a substantial economic impact from attracting visitors, hiring artists, and supporting activities of organizations.”

Grant money supports non-profit arts events and programs in Norman. Funds for the Hotel-Motel Tax Grant are generated through the Norman Transient Guest Room tax. All money granted was approved through an autonomous grants review panel, approved by the Norman Arts Council Board of Directors, and finalized by the Norman City Council.

The Awards panel carefully reviewed all grant applications and sent funding recommendations to the NAC board. After the NAC board approved the recommendations, the Norman City Council gave the final approval.

To apply all applicants are required to be incorporated as non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, attend a mandatory meeting, and submit a grants application. Applicants can visit www.normanarts.org for information on requirements and timelines for the 2013-2014 Hotel-Motel Tax Grant program.

The Norman Arts Council directly engages the community through the support of public art, events, and arts education and provides funding, marketing, and resources to artists and organizations. For more information on the NAC, visit www.normanarts.org or call 405-360.1162.