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Local arts groups get grants from Oregon Arts Commission Friday Jan 26, 2018 at 2:58 PM Jan 26, 2018 at 2:59 PM Two arts organizations in Southern Oregon were awarded Arts Build Communities grants by the Oregon Arts Commission. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival will receive the largest grant awarded: $7,000. The money will help fund Asian/Pacific Islander outreach as part of the festival's recurring Cultural Connections program for this year. This will include activities around the U.S. premiere performance of "Snow in Midsummer" written by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, scheduled to run at OSF from Aug. 2 to Oct. 27. "Representatives from community groups that serve and advocate for Asian/Pacific Islanders will partner with OSF to design a multiday event that engages participants in theater created by Asian/Pacific Islander artists and explores issues of relevance to their communities," said a release from the Oregon Arts Commission. Rogue Valley Chorale was awarded a $4,200 grant to go toward its long-running Spring Sing program, which brings music education to students in the Medford, Central Point and Phoenix/Talent school districts. The program aims to bring music education to students with little or no access. The money, according to the release, will fund payment for conductors, accompanists and a manager, as well as hiring buses and providing lunches for 98 participating students. A concert will be held April 27. The Arts Build Communities grants are awarded to programs on the basis of strong local partnerships, cultural relevance and community development. Grants are funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust, as well as appropriations from the Oregon Legislature. This year, it distributed $209,400.