Iron Range Resources today announced $100,000 in Culture and Tourism grants to be awarded for projects undertaken in 2010. The grants program supports nonprofit initiatives unique to the Taconite Assistance Area that strategically utilize cultural resources to stimulate tourism and enrich communities through artistic, heritage-related or recreational activities. The grants also strengthen community efforts to expand capacity and cultivate existing resources.

“Iron Range Resources is pleased to collaborate with these community and civic organizations in supporting local arts and tourism projects that benefit northeastern Minnesota residents and visitors,” said Commissioner Sandy Layman. “Each of these creative initiatives advance and enhance culture and tourism activities in the region.”

Fourteen applicants received grant awards. The $100,000 in grants leverages $483,188 in total project investment.

Organization Grant Award

North House Folk School – Campus capital improvements $9,500

Northern Lights Music Festival – Production of “Carmna Burana and Schumann/Chopin Festival $5,000

Range Artists Association - To support the Mines and Pines Festival $3,000

Minnesota Wood Education project - “Goods from the Woods” celebration of northern forest heritage event $4,000

Mesabi Community Orchestra - To support annual classical music concerts in three Iron Range communities $9,500

Ely Chamber of Commerce – For visitor center capital improvements $9,500

Laurentian Arts and Culture Alliance – To support 7th annual Range of the Arts celebration $6,900

Boundary Waters Blues Festival - To support promotion of the festival $9,500

Cotton Civic Club – To support the Minnesota Old Time Fiddle Championship $5,700

Club Mesabi - To support Iron Range EarthFest 2010 event $5,000

Dorothy Molter Museum - For new signage, brochures and historical archiving $5,400

Visit Grand Rapids - To develop and promote a public arts program $9,500

Mountain Iron Civic Association - For a canopy over historic locomotive $9,500

Superior National Forest Scenic Byway Council – To create an interpretative plan for Superior National Forest Scenic Byway $8,000

For additional details on Culture & Tourism Grants, visit www.ironrangeresources.org

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