This week’s story in The Charlotte Observer was welcome news to arts lovers and supporters in the community.  After a couple of really challenging years for both established and emerging arts organizations, this year’s Arts and Science Council (ASC) stable support is greatly appreciated.

“The ASC will give $7.6 million to more than 60 cultural organizations during the budget year that starts this month,” wrote The Charlotte Observer.  “Most of the 25 groups that get the bulk of the money will receive the same amount they did last year – a welcome change after two years of squeezes.”

Knight Foundation has a long-standing relationship with ASC.  Just this year, ASC organized the popular Random Acts of Culture around town.  It was just about this time last summer that opera swept through the Atherton Farmers Market to the delight of shoppers young and old. 

Many of the established arts organizations supported by ASC are Knight partners as well, including McColl Center for Visual Art.  Just recently, Knight Artist in Residence and poet Scott Cunningham put on a great show there.

And yesterday, one of our most creative emerging arts groups, OnQ Productions, gave a sampler of its upcoming season, providing a tasty treat for downtown workers at lunchtime.

All are good signs that the arts are thriving in Charlotte.