County Arts Programs Get Millions in Funding

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission awarded more than $4.1 million in two-year grants to 175 nonprofit arts organizations, with nearly half of the recipients expected to use the money to cover salaries or job-creation.

Most of the arts programs serve District four, the district Diamond is a part of.

"These grants ensure all residents in L.A. County have access to arts and cultural activities and programs," said commission President Mattie McFadden-Lawson. "Supporting these projects helps remove economic and geographic barriers to participation."

Of the 175 grantees, 84 will receive money aimed at supporting salaries or job creation, according to the commission. The commission's application guidelines for the grants allowed organizations to request support for critical needs rather than specific types of projects based on budget size.

The grants range from $3,500 to $223,700 and the organizations are spread throughout the county with offices located in 41 of the county's 88 municipalities.

The commission estimated that around 10 million people will be served by the organizations receiving grants for 2012-14.