Northern Arts Council (NAC) is currently receiving applications for grants for programs that support the promotion of the arts in Northern Wisconsin. Last year the group provided grants totaling nearly $13,000, including a $500 grant for Rhinelander ArtStart and $400 for Food for the Mind, a children’s book fund for area food pantries.

“We were pleased to be able to include these two new programs as grant recipients,” NAC president Julie Bronson said. “We hope to continue to support the arts with our grant program in 2013 at the same level we were able to in 2012.”

Other recipients of NAC grants in 2012 included School of the Arts at Rhinelander, Rhinelander District Library, Northwoods School of Dance, WXPR radio, Headwaters, Inc., Rhinelander Area Community Band and the Lakeland Community Band, Nicolet Choraliers and Male Chorus, and The Northwoods Singers.

Applicants for NAC grants must attest that the funds will be used for non-profit purposes and are not for salaries or scholarships, carry no further commitment for additional project or program support, and are payable at the date of the project or program. Applicants must also agree to acknowledge NAC support for their program or project.

Northern Arts Council, formed in 1973, is the longest-running continuing local arts group in Wisconsin. The council’s primary source of funding is from memberships. The group also sponsors the Northern National Art Competition displayed annually at Nicolet College and special events such as performances by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in Rhinelander.

Applications for 2013 grants must be received by Dec.1, 2013. Application forms are available at the Rhinelander District Library. For information, call Betty Lidral at (715) 362-5755.