The Colorado Council on the Arts recently awarded the City of Aurora's Cultural Services Division an $8,800 Grant to Artists and Organizations award for Learning in the Arts, Children and Youth. The funds will provide "After School Art Residencies in Aurora Public Schools" during the 2009-10 school year.

Professional teaching artists will instruct drama, music, dance and fine art for elementary, middle and high school students in North Aurora. The program will partner with Aurora Public Schools, the City of Aurora's Office of Youth Development and other organizations who offer after-school programming.

The city's Cultural Services Division's after-school art residencies create access, exposure and an understanding of a variety of art forms for Aurora youth, offering training, tools and supplies necessary to create works of art. Students will be inspired to look at art as an occupation, as an avocation and as an audience member.

"These grants support the creative individuals and community organizations, which are key building blocks to Colorado's creative economy," said Elaine Mariner, executive director of the Colorado Council on the Arts. "Our recent study showed there are over 186,000 jobs in the creative sector, making it our state's fifth largest industry cluster. By investing in this sector's vitality, Colorado reaps the benefits of jobs, economic growth and a quality of life that positions us to compete in the 21st century."

The city's Cultural Services Division was one of 128 recipients in 33 counties to receive $907,000 in grants from the Colorado Council on the Arts this year.

The council's mission is to promote the cultural, educational and economic growth of Colorado through development of its arts and cultural heritage. Funding is provided through an annual appropriation from the state's Gaming Fund and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The total grant funds are 25 percent less than last year, reflecting the state's overall budget reductions.