June 1st: Quarterly Grant Application Deadline for FRAA

The Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) is currently accepting quarterly grant applications from artists, organizations, schools, and teachers for arts projects scheduled to begin October through December 2013.  Applications are due on or before 5pm on June 1st.  Applications sent by mail must be postmarked on or before June 1st.  

Applications can be obtained by contacting the Florence Regional Arts Alliance at peedeearts@gmail.com. Applicants may request up to $2,500.  Because application materials change from time to time, it is recommended that previous applicants request copies of the current materials.

All individuals applying for funding must reside in Florence County.  All organizations must be based in Florence County.  

Examples of funded project include: performances and readings, workshops, services to artists and arts-presenting organizations, exhibitions, artistic and managerial development and public festivals and events.

FRAA will not fund the following: deficits for completed or ongoing projects, tuition for academic study, contingency funds, the purchase of long-term rental equipment, capital improvements, interest on loans, fines, or litigation. 

FRAA's Grants Program is partially funded by South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as from a generous contribution by the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina.  Additional funding is provided by Honda of South Carolina.  Since FRAA's Grants Program's inception in 1987, over $250,000 in financial support to individual artists, organizations, teachers, and schools has been awarded. 

Established in 1984, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance is a community-based non-profit organization that is committed to preserving, supporting, and promoting the Arts in Florence County.  Additionally, FRAA strives to promote and strengthen the arts in the region through its online arts marketing initiative, Pee Dee Arts. 

May 10th: Darby Scholarship Application Deadline for 2013

Since 1997, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance has awarded 27 Florence County students with the prestigious Betty Ann Darby Scholarship.  Now through May 10th, the Arts Alliance is accepting applications for 2013 Darby Scholarships.  

The Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program is named in honor of one of South Carolina's most distinguished music educators.  A member of the South Carolina Music Educator’s Hall of Fame, Ms. Darby served Florence Public School District One for thirty-nine years as a much beloved and highly revered music administrator and music teacher.  Since her retirement in 1987, Ms. Darby has embraced a broad array of volunteer activities in the arts community.

The Betty Ann Darby Scholarship Program awards two $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors who will be pursuing advanced academic or professional degrees in an arts discipline or in arts education.  To be considered, seniors must reside in Florence County or be graduating from a Florence County public or private high school.  

The Betty Ann Darby Scholarships are merit scholarships awarded predominantly on the basis of demonstrated talent, passion for the arts and intention to pursue a career in an arts discipline or in arts education.  All application materials must be received by the Florence Regional Arts Alliance via the applicant’s high school guidance counselor or other administrative official on or before May 10, 2013.  If mailed, applications must be postmarked by May 10th.

A completed Darby Scholarship Program Application consists of the application, essay, transcript, three recommendation letters and support materials.

To receive an application, email Bruce Douglas at peedeearts@gmail.com.