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Eighteen organizations have received Valley Arts Grants totaling $60,000 to fund arts programming and general operating support throughout the St. Croix Valley. Recipients represent a diverse array of nonprofit organizations, some with a strong arts focus, and others offering arts programming through special events, festivals, and classes.

The Valley Arts Grant Program, offered through the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports artists and nonprofits that engage the community, promote interaction among residents, and foster a rich and diverse arts ecosystem throughout the St. Croix Valley.

 Investing in the arts has economic benefits, too. Last year, St. Croix Valley Foundation and ArtReach St. Croix participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study, which found that the arts and cultural industries generated $169.2 million in economic activity during 2022 in the St. Croix Valley alone. That economic activity supported 2,067 jobs, provided $73.4 million in personal income to residents, and generated $24.3 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments.

"The arts are part of this region's identity, and they have a profound impact in our communities," said Angie Pilgrim, Director of Community Impact at St. Croix Valley Foundation. "We are thrilled to be able to support these organizations as they provide engaging, creative arts experiences that are open to everyone. Congratulations to all Valley Arts Grant recipients and we look forward to witnessing your impact in our communities!"

 This year's recipients include Belwin Conservancy’s Music in the Trees, Frederic Arts Inc’s artist lecture series, outdoor theater at Philadelphia Community Farm, Gammelgarden Museum's Spelmansstämma community festival featuring Swedish and Hmong music and dancing, and more. Several arts organizations received funding for general operating support, including Marine Mills Folk School, Franconia Sculpture Park, and St. Croix Festival Theatre.

Valley Arts Grants are facilitated through the Valley Arts Initiative Fund - an endowed, field of interest fund established to support the activities of local arts organizations throughout the St. Croix Valley (comprised of Washington and Chisago Counties in Minnesota, and Burnett, Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce Counties in Wisconsin). Donations to the Valley 

Arts Initiative Fund can be made at tinyurl.com/DonateValleyArts.

Local recipients are:

Festival Theater $5,000

Franconia Sculpture Park $5,000

Gammelgarden $4,000

The St. Croix Valley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization fully accredited by the Community Foundations National Standards Board and the Charities Review Council. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley. Through our ten affiliated community foundations, we encourage local philanthropy in response to local needs.

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