Fort Myers, FL (August 29, 2002) – The City of Fort Myers will award $34,000 to 8 different individuals or organizations on Tuesday, September 3rd during the city council meeting.  The City recognizes the importance of the arts to the cultural, educational and economic well being of its diverse population.  The City’s goal is to encourage artistic quality and program innovation therefore providing funding for arts and cultural programs. The City of Fort Myers Arts Task Force will administer the grants.  The grants will be given out at 4:30pm at City Hall.

The following are being awarded checks on Tuesday night:

• Art League of Fort Myers - $10,000
• ArtFest of Fort Myers, Inc. - $7,000
• Colors Dance Studio -$5,000
• Wood Turners of Southwest Florida, Inc. - $1,000
• Monica Neiman (individual artist) - $1,000
• SWFL Performing Arts Optimists Club - $4,500
• Lee Memorial Health System Arts in Healthcare - $500
• Lee County Alliance for the Arts - $5,000