Ovation And Americans For The Arts Kick Off $110,000 Innovation Grant Program

SANTA MONICA, Calif. and WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its quest to recognize the role artists play in revitalizing their communities, Ovation, the only network dedicated to art, artists and all forms of artistic storytelling, has partnered with Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education, and has opened the online application process for its new national grant program, innOVATION. The online submission site, available at http://www.americansforthearts.org/get_involved/membership/innovation.asp, will be accepting applications for the inaugural innOVATION Grant Program until 5p.m. ET on July 31, 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110816/LA52807LOGO)

Inspired by the remarkable community revitalization effort documented in the network's recent original series Motor City Rising, the innOVATION Grant Program was created to highlight similar stories of arts-focused, neighborhood renewal initiatives across the nation and provide support to model projects. Ovation is contributing $110,000 for the initial year's grants—three for $25,000, two for $10,000 and one $15,000 "Viewer's Choice Award." Americans for the Arts' roster of nearly 1,300 member organizations are eligible to be nominated for each.

"Ovation is once again putting our money where our passion is by launching a program that provides much needed support for those communities utilizing the arts to revitalize local economies, create jobs and spur ingenuity," said Ovation CEO Charles Segars. "The solution to our nation's problems can be found through innovation, and innovation is made possible through the arts. The arts can and do make life better for all of us."

President and CEO of Americans for the Arts Robert L. Lynch added, "Cities and towns across the country are leveraging the arts and culture to define and address civic problems and drive revitalization and economic growth. Projects, with art at the center, that are both authentic and fresh, are creating jobs, re-activating old spaces, connecting neighbors, increasing tourism and offering hope as communities look forward. I am delighted Americans for the Arts' membership base has this unique opportunity to be recognized for the excellent and compelling work they have done to enrich their communities economically and artistically."

The innOVATION Grant Program invites mayors, county executives or other elected community leaders to endorse the most-inspiring community revitalization efforts featuring the arts and artists in their city. In addition to the formal funding process, Ovation will also provide an online platform for submissions for the innOVATION Grant Program on its Facebook page and web site, providing a national platform for these encouraging stories and the opportunity for the public to choose an additional "viewer's choice" grantee.

Ovation, Americans for the Arts and national experts in creative place making will select this year's grant recipients based on creative, economic and social impact, as well as ability to bring together public, private, nonprofit and community efforts to improve and enhance a specific region through arts and culture. The grant recipients will be announced October 2012, which is also National Arts and Humanities Month. For information and guidelines for the innOVATION Grant Program or to submit an application for the innOVATION grant program, please visit http://www.americansforthearts.org/get_involved/membership/innovation.asp

About Ovation
Ovation is the only multi-platform network celebrating art, artists and all forms of artistic story-telling. Its programming tells the stories of artists, their work, and the powerful impact art has on each of us. Ovation programming is a one-of-a-kind mix of original and selectively curated series, films, documentaries and specials. The network reaches a national audience of 51 million homes and is available on cable systems across the country, as well as nationally on DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse. Ovation is also available in HD and VOD (both in standard and high definition). Ovation extends its linear channel experience for viewers online via its popular website, www.ovationtv.com. In addition, Ovation is also active in the social media space. See the Ovation Facebook page for the latest information and conversations about the network and the arts:  http://Ovtn.tv/fb.

About Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

SOURCE Ovation