ODDC - 2005 Arts Grants Announced by Council

ODDC Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council Awards $32,000 for the Arts

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
8 East Long Street, Suite 1200
Columbus, Ohio 43215

August 31, 2005
Contact: Leslie Paull
(614) 644-5542 or (800) 766-7426

For the third year, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) has offered Funding for the Arts Grants to help emerging artists with disabilities move to a higher level of career development. Grant funds will be used to help artists with disabilities develop the skills necessary to begin marketing their art for profit. The recipients of the awards will assist artists with disabilities in a variety of artistic disciplines.

This year ODDC awarded Funding for the Arts grants to eight Ohio organizations:

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati- Photography Contest: A photography workshop will be offered to those interested in pursing a career in photography. Individuals will have the opportunity to participate in a photography contest and have their work exhibited.
Fairfield Industries, Carroll-Blue Shoe Arts: Framing and matting equipment will be purchased allowing pieces to be placed in gallery exhibits and juried art shows.
Atco, Inc./Passion Works Studio, Athens-Poetry, Music & Passion: Creation of a CD highlighting poetry, collaboratively written between artists with developmental disabilities and Hocking College students and put to song; portraits of the poets and musicians, virtual tour of the Passion Works Studio and portfolios of artists are included.
Renegade Garage Players, Cincinnati-Community Performance Group: Provides opportunity for actors with disabilities to attend theater classes, create resume portfolios and perform at community events.
Southeast Inc., Columbus-Fresh AIR Gallery Presents: Assisting artists to develop portfolios and presentation materials and an exhibition of the artists work.
Towards Independence, Inc., Xenia-The Inner I Gallery Marketing Campaign: Campaign for paintings and mixed media artwork, including the development of a website, advertising in local publications, and creation of artists’ portfolios.
WASCO, Nonprofit, Marietta-River City Jewelry: Individuals will learn how to create, market and sell handmade jewelry of their own design broadening their employability in a community that relies heavily on tourism.
Wings Enrichment Center, Marysville-Enriching Artists in Recovery: Development of the infrastructure to support artists including workshops, portfolio development, marketing, website, and supplies.

The ODDC is one of a national network of state councils committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. ODDC receives federal funding to help carry out its mission of developing new and better ways of advocating, increasing capacities to assist people, and making needed changes to systems.

ODDC consists of members appointed by the Governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities.