The City of Windsor's Arts, Culture, and Heritage Fund has awarded $66,500 to 17 recipients in the first round of applications this year.
The ACHF was approved by City Council to award grants to individuals and cultural organizations to help boost creative and economic growth.
The first round included ten individuals and seven organizations who will receive up to $5,000 for their projects.
"I'm honoured to be a recipient, and excited to move forward with the project," said Austin Di Pietro, a recipient receiving nearly $5,000.
Di Pietro plans to release a full-length album of original compositions recorded live at Mackenzie Hall during the Port Windsor Jazz and Arts Festival. The money will be used to fund artist fees, mixing, videography, and production costs.
"The results of the program continue to speak for themselves, with over $1.2-million awarded to over 500 innovative projects since the program launched," said Mayor Drew Dilkens. "The ACHF remains one of many components of Council's overall significant investment in arts, culture, and heritage."
The program was established in 2014 and helped fund visual, literary, performing, musical, film, and heritage and culture projects.
"We remain proud of the ACHF program, and grateful for Council's ongoing support and investment into this important initiative for our creative community," said Michelle Staadegaard, City of Windsor's manager of culture and events.
**This story was written by Lexi Saldana. Lexi is a student in the Fanshawe College journalism program, and is currently doing an internship with WindsorNewsToday.ca.
