The Ballet Arts Academy performs at the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) on Saturday, November 3.
WALDORF, Md. (November 11, 2007)—On Saturday evening, November 3, members of the Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA), supporters of the arts, members of various Charles County arts and arts-related organizations, and public and private school arts teachers or their representatives, gathered for a multi-faceted celebration at the Old Waldorf School.
The focal point of the night was the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the CCAA. The occasion was also used to thank those who participated in Arts Vision 2020, and announce the granting of $44,000 to local organizations to further the arts in southern Maryland.
Arts Vision 2020 is an effort to develop a long-term strategic plan for the arts in Charles County through the year 2020. Many supporters have devoted significant amounts of volunteer time to this project over the past two years. "As the document approaches its final stages of the writing process, it seemed more than appropriate to publicly recognize and commend those who put forth the effort to see this project become a reality," noted CCCA officials in a released statement.
Notebooks of research were on hand for perusal as was a display board which graphically-represented the results of the recent Charles County Arts Survey.
The gathering was also the platform to announce the granting of $44,000 to arts organizations, arts-related organizations, and public and private schools in Charles County to enhance their work in providing county citizens with high-quality, community-accessible arts programs as well as educational arts programs in the schools.
Grant applications were reviewed by the CCAA Grant Review Committee which then made recommendations to the CCAA Board of Directors for approval or rejection. Grantees were selected on the basis of three main factors: the artistic merit of the proposed program, the financial stability of the applying organization, and the service to the community that the organization or special project will provide.
The following FY-2008 CCAA Grants were announced during the event.
"Community Arts Development General Operating Grants" for arts organizations—These grants support arts organizations that are providing quality arts programs and services in Charles County:
-- Ballet Arts Academy at the Old Waldorf School
-- Chesapeake Bay Floating Theatre
-- Chesapeake Choral Arts Society
-- Port Tobacco Players
-- Southern Maryland Carousel Group
-- Southern Maryland Concert Band
"Community Arts Development Special Project Grants" for arts organizations and/or arts-related organizations (civic groups, libraries, museums, religious organizations, other community-based groups, colleges/universities, and units of government) --- These grants support arts organizations and/or arts-related organizations that provide quality single projects and/or ongoing projects and programs in Charles County:
-- African American Heritage Society of Charles County
-- Black Leadership Council for Excellence
-- Charles County Department of Community Services - Aging Division
-- Charles County Fair
-- Charles County Public Library
-- Christ Church Concerts
-- Grace Brethren Church
-- Mattawoman Creek Art Center
-- Nanjemoy Community Center
-- South Potomac Church Arts Ministries
"Artists in Education (AIE) Grants" for K - 12 schools (public and private) --- These grants are designed to promote, strengthen, and enhance the arts and arts education in Charles County's elementary and secondary schools. AIE grants can only be applied towards obtaining quality performances and/or hands-on intensive workshops by visiting performers, artists, authors, poets, master teachers and professionals in the areas of music, visual art, drama, dance and literature for the educational enhancement of youth:
-- Archbishop Neale School
-- Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School
-- Dr. James Craik Elementary School
-- Gale-Bailey Elementary School
-- J.C. Parks Elementary School
-- Mattawoman Middle School
-- Maurice J. McDonough High School
-- St. Charles Children's Learning Center at the College of Southern Maryland
-- T.C. Martin Elementary School
The mission of the Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) is to stimulate, promote, encourage, and provide recognition of the arts and the creative spirit. Founded in 1987, the CCAA promotes ALL the arts in Charles County: music, visual art, drama, dance and literature.
The CCAA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the official arts council of Charles County and is recognized as such by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency of the Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) of the State of Maryland. In this capacity, the CCAA serves as the "umbrella" organization for the arts community in Charles County: promoting Charles County arts organizations and individuals; providing financial support to nonprofit organizations and the schools through its annual arts grant programs; sponsoring the creation and presentation of new, diverse cultural activities and special events for the community; providing arts scholarships; and ensuring the Charles County's undeserved population, people with disabilities, residents with limited income, minorities and senior citizens have access to the arts.
The Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Further funding for the CCAA is provided by the Charles County Government, CCAA members, and tax-deductible donations.