Tempe residents can expect to see a calendar full of inclusive arts and culture programs this year thanks to a $225,000 investment from the city of Tempe.

That city announced in a release on Aug. 8 that it awarded 35 arts grants to nonprofit organizations and artists collectives that present arts and culture programming. The funding supports a wide variety of activities, from theatre groups to musical performances to inventive arts events in unexpected spaces. 

A total of $224,460 was awarded to these groups. An additional $75,540 will be distributed through additional grant categories this fall.

Last year, Tempe City Council increased its support of arts grants by 50%, providing an annual allocation of $300,000 to support local arts and artists through this program. 

The funding helps to ignite creative vibrancy, support capacity building for local organizations and grow connections among the community, the release explained. 

“Our investment in local artists and creatives helps contribute to the vibrant cultural community that we get to enjoy here in Tempe,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods in the release.

The competitive review process was conducted by five independent, objective and diverse community review panels comprised of representatives from the Tempe Arts and Culture Commission, African American Advisory Committee, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee and Tempe Tourism as well as Tempe residents, arts educators, students and practicing artists. 

Projects will be presented in a variety of community spaces, including theaters, plazas, community centers, parking lots and other surprising spaces across the city.

For information about the grants, programs and organizations that received funding, visit tempe.gov/ArtsGrants