Fort Myers doles out arts grant money

The City of Fort Myers awarded $51,900 to 16 different art organizations and individuals last week. This is the sixth year the City has awarded grants to non-profit organizations. Since starting the Arts and Culture Grants program, the City has given nearly $300,000 to 71 individuals and organizations. The City recognizes the importance of the arts to the cultural, educational and economic well-being of its diverse population, said city spokeswoman Jennifer Hobbic.

The City's goal is to encourage artistic quality and program innovation by providing funding for arts and cultural programs. ¦ The following organizations were given grants: Woodturners of Southwest Florida ........ $1,500 Winning Kids Club, Inc. ........................... $2,000 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center ........... $6,900 The Music Foundation of SW Florida ..... $2,200 Edison Celebration of Art, Inc. ................ $3,000 Arts for ACT Gallery ................................ $3,000 Fort Myers Symphonic Chorus, Inc. ....... $1,500 Theatre Conspiracy ................................. $6,900 SWFLSymphony Orchestra & Chorus .... $3,000 Colours School of the Arts SWFL........... $6,900 Art League of Fort Myers ........................ $3,000 Lee County Alliance of the Arts .............. $3,000 Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra ............ $3,000 Michelle Messina (individual artist) ...... $2,000 Anica Sturdivant (individual artist) ....... $2,000 Jeffrey Scott Lewis (individual artist) ... $2,000