MIDDLEBURG - Despite a spat of unseasonably cold and wet weather last week, representatives from Community Partnerships RC&D said the 2009 Arts Awards Ceremony was well attended.

This year's ceremony was held at the Shade Mountain Winery in Middleburg and attended by more than 70 people.

Sam Price, program specialist with CP RC&D said the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grants funds to local organizations such as CP RC&D that then in turn administer the program locally. CP RC&D regrants the money to local residents and organizations in Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder and Union counties.

Price said in Mifflin County, the RiverFEST, Ice Festival, Embassy Theatre and Mifflin-Juniata Arts Festival receive funding through the program. More than 30 individuals and organizations receive funding each year from the PPA program across these five counties.

"This program helps a lot of people make a tremendous cultural impact. By localizing the funding, the program makes efficient use of state funds. They go directly to these important community activities," Price said. "Also, the turnaround time is usually incredibly fast, (however) this year we'll see a delay due to the budget impasse."

It takes the monster out of the bureaucracy equation, Price said, adding that applicants get to know the staff as it works to help them apply.

"Instead of dealing with a faceless entity at the statewide level, people can get answers from us locally," Price said. "There are sometimes misconceptions about arts funding. Sometimes people imagine this money goes to the elite dressed in black wearing a monocle milling around a gallery opening. This program is the exact opposite. The funding goes to everyday people and many times volunteer organizations who need the money to continue to offer a service to the community.

He said eligible projects must be open to the public, and local economies strongly benefit from this program. For example, when an arts festival is held, people come from out of town, and eat and shop locally while they're in the area for the event, he said.

"It serves as a catalyst for not just cultural experience, but also local commerce," Price said.

RC&D Coordinator Larry Schardt added, "It's a phenomenal way for the community to make good things happen."