McKINNEY, Texas (Sept. 29, 2009) – The McKinney City Council has approved $205,000 in grants from the McKinney Arts Commission to fund programs by 19 area arts groups. The Arts Commission received applications from arts groups seeking nearly $247,000 in grants during the current funding cycle. There is an additional $5,000 awarded next year in addition to the $200,000 budgeted by the city due to funds left over from the last grant cycle. 

"The Commission was impressed with the substantial increases in audience numbers and event offerings over prior years—a sure sign that the visual and performing arts are thriving and growing in McKinney. That the City has fully funded these grants at levels equal to last year suggests a deep appreciation and recognition of the arts as an economic engine, as well," said McKinney Arts Commission Vice Chair Thom Chesney. 

The McKinney Arts Commission has received praise from artists and patrons of the arts for its regional approach to funding. The commission considers and funds arts groups located outside McKinney as long as the performances or projects for which they are requesting funds take place in McKinney.  

Grants were spread across the 19 applicants to include theater and drama performance, orchestra or instrumental groups, dance troupes, vocal performance groups, visual arts and more. The following organizations received grants: American Theatre Organ Society, Art Club of McKinney, Chamberlain Performing Arts, Children’s Chorus of Collin County, Drums Not Guns, Elledanceworks, Junior Players, McKinney Community Band, McKinney Community Concerts, McKinney Musical Arts Society, McKinney Repertory Theatre, McKinney Repertory Theatre - Young Actors Guild, McKinney Summer Musicals, McKinney Youth Theatre, Ollimpaxui Ballet, Southwest Celtic Music Association, Teatro Dallas, Texas Performing Chinese Arts and Word of Mouth Productions.  

“This year’s allocations will again support a wide diversity of arts offerings and audiences. There is truly something for everyone, of every age, every interest,” said Chesney.  

The Arts Commission serves as the advisory board to the City Council and city management in matters involving the close cooperation between the City and private citizens, institutions and agencies interested in or conducting activities relating to the arts. The commission makes recommendations to the City Council in regard to expenditures of City funds for the purpose of promoting or sustaining the arts in McKinney. 

The group reviews the funding proposals from arts programs within the community, and the funding comes from allocations made by the City Council. The commission's mission is to "create a vibrant and viable arts community in which diverse, high-quality arts opportunities are available to McKinney residents and visitors."