HARTFORD — The Connecticut Commission on the Arts (CCA) has announced that applications and program guidelines are now available for Connecticut non-profit organizations wishing to apply for funding to conduct arts programs that occur between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2001. The application deadline is February 1, 2000.

CCA’s Organization Challenge Grant Program was developed to sustain and strengthen Connecticut’s cultural assets and augment arts development within the scope of the organization’s activities, focused on one of the following CCA goals:

*Support artistic excellence and development to ensure a vital artistic presence in all Connecticut communities;

*Expand and deepen the role of diverse artistic disciplines and tradition in education; or

*Expand public participation and individual engagement in the arts throughout Connecticut’s diverse communities.

Applicants must have, as a minimum, a two-year history as an arts organization or as an arts program of a non-profit organization to be eligible to apply for funds. Activities eligible for funding may be ongoing projects or new initiatives. Applicants are required to match funds received from the commission with additional income from other sources.

In early January, the Commission on the Arts will offer six grant workshops in various cities to assist prospective applicants. Meetings are scheduled in Torrington on January 3, Norwich on January 4, Hartford on January 5, Stamford on January 6, New Haven on January 7, and Hartford on January 8. All workshops run from 9:30 am to noon; contact CCA for location specifics.

Attending the workshops is not mandatory in order to submit an application for funding. The workshops are offered free of charge, although registration is required by calling CCA at 860/566-4770. Guidelines and application materials will be available at the workshops. They may also be obtained by phoning the commission, or downloading from the agency’s Web site at www.ctarts.org.