LEESBURG, Va. - The Loudoun Arts Council's annual ArtShare program awarded grant monies to seven area arts organizations. Recipients of this year's awards are Loudoun Academy of the Arts, Loudoun Symphony, Master Singers of Virginia, Sterling Playmakers, Loudoun Ballet, Loudoun Community Band and the Loudoun Chorale. The total granted was $10,380.

"Our ArtShare program helps arts organizations help themselves," said Kathy Farmer, Arts Council president. "Through the ArtShare grant writing process, participating arts organizations take a critical look back on the past year and make plans for their future; a future of creative expression in Loudoun County we are proud to support."

Through ArtShare, the Loudoun Arts Council contributes to nonprofit arts organizations that operate in the Loudoun community. To receive a grant, organizations must demonstrate strong artistic quality, noteworthy accomplishments and sound management practices. ÊÊAs part of its mission to advocate for the arts, the Loudoun Arts Council assisted organizations with their applications this year by offering a pre-review process, which provided suggestions for creating stronger applications.

The Loudoun Arts Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes the development of artistic expression throughout Loudoun County by supporting visual, performing and literary artists and arts organizations. For more information, contact the Council at 703-777-7838 or visit the Web site at www.loudounarts.org.