Twenty-eight local arts organizations received funding support from the City of Norfolk Arts Commission. The Commission increased its support for the new fiscal year. 

“We are thankful that Norfolk Arts was awarded $300,000, up from $220,000, for the first time in many, many years,” said Karen Rudd, manager of Norfolk Arts.

“Additionally,” continued Rudd, “some of the arts organizations were awarded PIC COVID money grants. Organizations can only get city funding from one source. This meant we had fewer organizations to divide the money between. Most everyone received an increase. Organizations can only ask for 7.5-10% of previous year’s cash revenues. By the rules, we could only give some of the smaller organizations less than we wanted. We held out $20,000 to manage a special equity grant or free performance at the Attucks. This will allow us to get money and resources to those that need it the most.”

The awards list is as follows:

Young Audiences of Virginia/Arts For Learning: $35,000

The Academy of Music: $26,000

Hermitage Museum & Gardens: $25,000

The Hurrah Players: $24,000 

Todd Rosenlieb Dance: $20,500

Muse Writers Center: $17,500

Norfolk Street Choir Project: $15,000

Mosaic Steel Orchestra: $11,800

Bay Youth Orchestras: $10,000

d’Art Center: $10,000

Virginia Children’s Chorus: $10,000

Virginia Chorale: $9,000

Tidewater African Cultural Alliance: $8,500

Tidewater Winds: $8,000

Access Virginia: $8,000

Shark City Drum & Dance Corps: $6,000

WHRO Public Media: $5,000

Studio 360 Performing Arts: $4,390

World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads: $4,135

Tidewater Classical Guitar: $4,000

Generic Theater: $3,825

Salvation Army: $2,500

Norfolk Chamber Consort: $2,150

I Sherman Greene Chorale: $2,100

Boys Choir of Hampton Roads: $1,000

Stockley Gardens Arts Festival: $600

Siren City Pipe Band: $500

Tidewater Pipes & Drums: $500