Supplemental arts programming within the schools.

Funding for the United Arts Council portion of this project comes from revenue generated during the annual United Arts Fund Drive and additional sponsors and partners.

• Current focus involves a pilot project, GAINS, that delivers a sequential program of arts-integrated instruction (K-5) that meets the standards set by the NC Standard Course of Study. The project is currently in place at Ida Rankin Elementary in Mt. Holly and Sherwood Elementary in Gastonia.  In the long term it is hoped that the success of this project will expand to the entire Gaston County School system.

The United Arts Council partners with the Education Institute of the NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Gaston County School System, Ida Rankin Elementary and Sherwood Elementary.

Annual support to five funded member groups and the UAC to strengthen and stabilize Gaston County's major cultural arts agencies.

• Funding comes from revenue generated during the annual United Arts Fund Drive.
• Served 95,634 residents through this program in 2002-2003
• These organizations will be allocated $93,762 in direct operational support during 2004-2005

Affiliate Members
Gaston Concert Association
Gaston Choral Society
Gaston County Art Guild
Gaston Dance, Inc.
Gaston School of the Arts

Funding allocated to Gaston County on a per capita basis and used solely for arts programming initiatives. Funds are provided by the North Carolina Arts Council.

• The UAC is the designated county partner for grassroots funds.
• Funds must be matched with funds raised during the Annual Fund Drive, as well as by each non-profit agency that receives allocations.
• Applications in excess of $47,000 were accepted for the 2003-2004 grant cycle.
• Over 91,911 residents were served through this program in 2003-2004.
• In 2003-2004 over $21,750 was allocated to various projects.
• These grants are available to any nonprofit agency actively engaged in arts programming. Applications are available in February and are due at the end of March. If you would like to receive an application e-mail your forwarding information to HeidiF@GastonArts.org.

Recognizes promising artists seeking professional careers in the arts.

• The UAC financial contribution comes from annual United Arts Fund Drive Revenue.
• Funds are matched on a regional basis through a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council.
• Since 1992, 23 Gaston County artists have received a total of $34,530 to further their careers and enhance the arts in our community.
• Applications for this grant program are available in the spring. To receive an application e-mail your forwarding information to HeidiF@GastonArts.org.