The Wyoming Arts Council has awarded $655,215 in Community Support Grants to 122 organizations, arts programs, and non-profit organizations throughout the state for programs and services scheduled from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

The Community Support Grant is a competitive grant category open to 501(c)(3) organizations or government agencies, including tribal governments, universities or community colleges, and school districts and supports specific projects or provides operational support within the fiscal year. 

Grant applications are panel reviewed. Applications requesting operating and project support were reviewed by an eight-member panel. The community members and arts partners, who served on that panel were: Oona Doherty, Jackson Hole Center for the Arts Creative Initiatives Director, Amara Fehring, Central Wyoming College Digital Content and Marketing Specialist, Dr. Ben Markley, University of Wyoming Assistant Professor, Director of Jazz Studies, Jazz Area Coordinator, Shawn Reese, Wyoming Business Council Chief Executive Officer, Micah Richardson, Wyoming Community Foundation Director of Communications and Programs, Ann Ruble, The Nicolaysen Art Museum Executive Director, and Lindley Rust, Outpost Jackson Hole Media Manager and Author, Photographer.

Applications requesting Arts Learning funding were reviewed by a seven-member panel. The community members and arts partners, who served on that panel were: Chris Dresang, Assistant Principal, Natrona County High School, Tiger Robison, Educator, University of Wyoming, Ilaine Brown, CTE Education Consultant, Wyoming Department of Education, Lisa Simmons, Associate Curator of Education and Outreach, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Danny Belanger, Director of Arts Education and Accessibility, Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Kathleen Frye, Assistant Professor, Art & Art History, University of Wyoming, and Leah Shlachter, Adult Program Coordinator, Teton County Library.

Organizations can also apply for supplemental funding in the areas of Arts Learning, Rural Arts Access, Professional Development, and Folk and Traditional Arts. Supplemental funding requests were reviewed by Arts Council staff.

The panel’s recommendations went to the Wyoming Arts Council board for approval awarding $655,215.

More information is available on the Arts Council website,including a complete list of grants awarded, listed alphabetically by organization name and including grant funding by type - https://wyoarts.state.wy.us/grants/grants-awarded/.

For more information, contact Kelsey Giroux, Community Development and DEI Specialist with the Wyoming Arts Council at 307-630-3918 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Photo caption: Wyo Governor's Council on Disabilities March Awareness Luncheon