The Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) announced Friday that it had awarded 146 grants totaling $621,450 to arts organizations across the state.

Four organizations in Selma – the Blackbelt Benefit Group (BBG), ArtsRevive, the Selma Art Guild (SAG) and the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society – were among those to receive a portion of the funding.

“Grants awarded serve as investments in our state’s culture and quality of life,” said ASCA Chairman Joel Daves. “Independent surveys have shown that a vibrant arts environment helps to draw new industry and investment to Alabama. Programs funded support and enhance education for students and continue a life-long learning experience for all citizens.”

ArtsRevive was awarded $3,500 for a Programming Director internship, BBG was awarded $11,200 for the Levitt AMP Music Series, SAG was awarded $1,800 for its 20th Annual Juried Art Show and the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society was awarded $5,600 for Art Camp 2020.

The grants were handed down to nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, cities and community groups across the state and are matched by contributions from businesses, individuals, local government and earned income by the grantee.

According to an ASCA press release, arts programs that receive aid from the council “have a track record of enhancing community development, education, cultural tourism and overall quality of life in virtually all regions of the state.”

The recent grants were a result of applications submitted at the beginning of September and represent the third round of grants awarded this year.

The council is run by a 15-member board appointed by the governor and has as its primary responsibility the mandate to make decisions regarding grants awarded to help arts programs and education across Alabama.

Board members are selected from all regions of the state as the council seeks to maintain a “geographic spread representing all areas of the state.”