The Delaware Division of the Arts announces the awarding of $2.9 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2015, to support 110 arts initiatives throughout the state. Twenty-five communities across Delaware, from Arden to Seaford, will receive grants to support arts programming and services, arts education, and related arts marketing and promotion.

“A vibrant arts environment stimulates the economy and provides a richer quality of life,” said Governor Jack Markell. “In Delaware, where the arts are among our top 10 employers, we see how the arts contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas, enhance our educational system, and attract new businesses and residents to the state.”

Division grants support a variety of projects and programs, from storytelling for preschool reading readiness, to professional performances in dance, theater, and music. Delaware museums and art leagues in large and small communities alike receive support for internationally recognized collections as well as local artists and artisans.

“With a wide array of very strong applications this year, funding decisions were particularly challenging,” reported Division Director Paul Weagraff. “Panelists from across the state deliberated thoroughly and thoughtfully to assist in reviewing and ranking applicants in all grant categories. This input from our constituents helps to ensure that we are supporting arts programming that is of high quality and serves all Delawareans.”

Funding for the Division of the Arts to support arts programming in Delaware comes from the Delaware General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

A complete listing of Fiscal Year 2015 grants can be found at: www.artsdel.org/grants/grantawards2015.pdf.

Delawareans can now easily find arts and culture events happening today, soon, and nearby with the new “What’s On” smartphone app.

“What’s On” shows an interactive map of Delaware with pins for arts events. Tapping a pin on the map shows an event’s details, contact information, driving directions, and links to the event’s website. Users can also scroll through lists of upcoming events.

The “What’s On” app was developed by Delaware’s Division of the Arts in association with the Delaware Government Information Center (GIC), a state agency charged with helping to connect citizens to government via the internet. Behind the scenes, the app is powered by data from DelawareScene.com, which has been providing arts event information to the public since 2008.

“We are thrilled with this app as it makes the arts even more accessible in Delaware,” said Paul Weagraff, Director of the Division of the Arts. “‘What’s On’ lets you see what’s happening in the arts from your smartphone. People can easily make plans to attend a performance, museum, film, concert or other arts event on the spur of the moment.”

“Many people are last-minute planners,” said Mike Mahaffie, Acting Director of the Delaware Government Information Center. “People launch apps on their phones to see which movies are playing, find places to eat, and figure out what they’re going to do. As part of the State’s eGovernment initiatives, we’re happy ‘What’s On’ makes local arts events a new option for these people.”

“What’s On” can be downloaded at no cost from the App Store and Google Play (search for Delaware What’s On) or by visiting www.delaware.gov/topics/apps.