LIMA — Two Allen County artistic organizations, as well as an organization in Auglaize County, will be benefitting from the first round of investments in the Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant Program, according to a release from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.
The Lima Symphony Orchestra will be receiving $75,522 in grant funds while Amil Tellers, the organization behind Encore Theatre, will be receiving $16,498.50. In Auglaize County, the Auglaize County Historical Society will be receiving $7,414.13 through this program. The grant was created as part of a bill that was merged into House Bill 45. The funds can be used for employee compensation, excluding bonuses, as well as recruitment, rehiring and training expenses, rent or mortgage payments and operating costs, according to the release.
“Ohio’s arts communities are an integral part of why Ohio stands out as a great place to live and a great place to visit,” DeWine said in a statement. “These grants will help ensure that communities continue to have access to the programming and learning experiences Ohioans love.”
This first round of grants will total $23 million statewide, benefitting 139 organizations over 35 counties. A second round of grants is expected to award a total of $27 million, the beneficiaries of which will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the release.
