State awards grants to support local arts and festivals

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce announced Monday that it is awarding more than $71,000 to arts organizations and local festivals in the Columbia Basin. The grants, made in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association and ArtsWA, are part of $3.3 million in funds awarded to 284 organizations in 36 of Washington’s 39 counties, according to the announcement. Grants can be used to restart local festivals and events suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic or to stabilize depleted budgets, according to the press release. Recipients can use the funds for deposits on infrastructure (security, temporary fencing, staging, lights, sound equipment, etc.) and staff and labor costs. Grants ranged from $178 to $35,000 and were based on need and demonstrated losses. The program was made possible through a tourism relief grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration...