Portions of this article were contributed by Elizabeth Bailey from the Greensburg Daily News

The Columbus Area Arts Council, the Indiana Arts Commission and Representative Cleo Duncan teamed up on November 8th  at the Greensburg Community Learning Center to honor organizations that received funds from the Regional Arts Partners funds for the 2007-2008 grant cycle.

“Academics educate the mind but the arts educate the soul,” said Duncan.

To Duncan, funding the arts is a way to ensure America trains its residents to be total people. She believes creativity will be the key to maintaining the nation’s competitive edge into the future.

In the most recent legislative session, Duncan was a co-sponsor of a bill that passed both houses to increase funding for arts.   “She convinced our government the arts deserve a little more support from the state,” said Lewis Ricci, Indiana Arts Commission executive director.

Jeff Kuehl, Regional Coordinator, said funding for some of these grant program is up 14 percent from last year because of the work of state representatives like Duncan.

Gail Ginther talked about the grant Historic Metamora received the second year in a row. With $960, the organization has been able to significantly boost the success of the Old Time Music Festival. Although the festival has taken place for much longer than two years, the funding has been limited.

“Getting a little extra money could bring in someone with more of a name,” said Gail Ginther .

The small grant has paid off in the last two years. In 2006, it funded Music Americana. This is a two-man group that tells of American history through music and song. The draw they created, said Ginther, increased canal boat rides that weekend by 30 percent. IThe benefit seen by the town of Metamora encouraged people to sponsor the event; which was even advertised on two billboards along I-74.

St. Mary’s School in North Vernon has also seen the big difference a small grant can make. Sister Joanita Koors told of the great changes seen at the institution in the eight years the school has received  Region 9 grants. Before the extra funds, art instruction at the school was directed by volunteers. Now, the school has a band and an art education program. Koors also noted the grant money has allowed students to attend concerts of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic.

Other legislators in attendance were Tom Knollman and Sean Eberhardt. Both of these men represent districts that contain portions of Region 9.

Marilyn Bower, the Dearborn County representative to the   Region 9 Advisory Council, was given a floral arrangement in recognition of the work and dedication she has given in her six years serving on the council.

$72, 830 was awarded within Region 9 for this grant cycle.