THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, July 13, 1995                TAG: 9507120147
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN              PAGE: 16   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
DATELINE: SUFFOLK                            LENGTH: Short :   39 lines

$5,450 IN ARTS GRANTS ARE AWARDED TO SUFFOLK

Grants totalling $5,450 were awarded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts to the city and Suffolk Art League.

The city got a $3,750 local government challenge grant; the league, $1,700, for general operating support.

``Our money usually goes for educational programs,'' said Linda Bunch, the league's administrative assistant. ``We place visiting artists in middle schools at no cost to the school.''

Additionally, some money is used for workshops in the Suffolk Museum, for mailings to let people know about forthcoming artists.

The state grant, added to local funds, gives the Fine Arts Commission $14,250. The city will give the commission $10,500, $500 more than last year, said Anna D'Antonio, senior administrative analyst for the city.

The state grant was also greater, from $2,910 in 1995 to $3,750 this year.

The money will be distributed to several groups. The city is awaiting requests for the funds.

Applications are due Sept. 12. The Fine Arts Commission will meet to review the requests, and notifications will be made by Sept. 25.

Last year's beneficiaries included the Suffolk Art League, Riddick's Folly, Suffolk Museum and the Virginia Opera, which brings programs into the city.

The Virginia Commission for the Arts awarded grants totalling $1,532,700 to 135 non-profit organizations for artistic and administrative expenses.

``The program is designed to continue, strengthen, and expand the programs of organizations of artistic merit,'' said Susan FitzPatrick, program coordinator. Funding increased four per cent over last year's levels. by CNB