Fort Myers, FL (August 1, 2005) – The City of Fort Myers awarded $50,000 to 9 different individuals or organizations on Monday, August 1, 2005, during the City Council meeting. This is the fourth year the City has awarded grants to non-profit organizations. Since starting the Arts and Culture Grants program, the Council has given a total of $189,000 to 40 individuals or organizations. 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 following organizations were recognized:

• Young Artists - $6,000
• Edison Celebration of Art - $3,000
• ArtFest Fort Myers, Inc. - $5,000
• Arts for ACT Gallery - $5,000
• Theatre Conspiracy, Inc. - $10,000
• Lee County Alliance for the Arts, Inc. - $8,000
• Colours School of the Arts of SWFL, Inc. - $10,000
• Eloise Pennington (individual artist) - $2,000
• Carlos Ernesto Masis (individual artist) - $1,000