By Florence Williams

Special to Black Belt Community Foundation

A partnership of three organizations that believe in the power of art in building stronger communities has been formed in Alabama . The three groups are our own Black Belt Community Foundation, the Black Belt Action Commission's Culture and Youth Committee (CYC) and the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

The first awards administered by the newly formed Black Belt Arts Initiative to stimulate art creation and appreciation were awarded on June 25, 2006, to 29 organizations. A total of $50,000 was distributed to be used for a variety of programs including arts workshops for youth, community theatre productions, and museum/gallery improvements.

According to CYC Chairperson Carol P. Zippert, the program has two goals: 1) to foster artistic expression and enjoyment and 2) to document work of regional artists and art-focused organizations. At the heart of the program is the philosophy that art is an essential in building healthy communities, not a luxury.

Whitney Green is BBCF's coordinator for the program. She can be reached at 334-874-1126 or e-mail her at whgbbcf@bellsouth.net .

Deadline for the second round of Arts Initiative awards is xxx and announcement of the winners will be made in xxx. To receive a copy of the grant application forms, call or e-mail Green or download a copy of the application form ArtsPacket.pdf