The Fresno Arts Council held a press conference on Sept. 5, announcing distribution of Expanded Access to Arts and Culture (EAAC) grants totaling over $9.4 million. Photo by Frank Lopez

Fresno Art Council members, artists, grantees, and city leaders gathered at Gallery 1821 at Calaveras street last Thursday to announce the funding, which comes from Measure P money.

The $9.4 million will go to 112 applicants, being distributed to 87 arts and culture organizations and projects in the city of Fresno.

Olga Gutierrez De Nunez, president of the Fresno Arts Council, said that the funding will help ensure that the arts and culture can thrive in the community.

“With this funding, we will expand access to arts and culture, programs across Fresno, bringing creative opportunities and enrichment to people of all ages and backgrounds,” Nunez said. “Art is more than just a form of entertainment.”

City Council member Miguel Arias apologized to the council and local artists for the delay in getting funding, highlighting importance of arts and culture to the city.

“Ultimately, we now have tens of millions of dollars in the hands of artists who are tasked with providing and enriching what has always existed in the city—richness of diversity, culture and art,” Arias said.

Lillia Gonzales Chavez, executive director at the Art Council said it is critically important that artists and art organizations have adequate funding to be able to develop and grow programs to provide artistic and cultural experiences.

“This is a monumental day and thanks to the citizens of Fresno. Its our citizens that took up the mantel that decided to include arts in Measure P,” she said.

For the full list of the artists and art organizations receiving grants, visit https://www.fresnoartscouncil.org/artsandculturegrants