Four Mahoning Valley organizations will receive more than $500,000 combined from the Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant Program.

The state announced $20,441,085 in grants to 104 arts-based organizations in 33 counties from the second round of the program. So far, more than $43 million has been awarded to 243 organizations through the program funded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown was awarded the bulk of the funding locally, receiving $319,331. Executive Director Louis A. Zona said the money will be used to address accessibility issues, including ramp repairs, changes to help the visually impaired and restroom upgrades.

“Becky Davis, our grant writer, did a wonderful job of telling our story and what a role the Butler plays in the community,” Zona said. “I was impressed by the fact that the state government would support the arts in that matter. It says a lot about Ohio.”

Youngstown-based JAC Management Group LLC will receive $65,646 for operating Packard Music Hall in Warren. JAC Vice President Ken Bigley said the money would be used for employee recruitment and training.

“Staffing has been an issue everywhere post-COVID,” Bigley said. “We’re always striving to provide better service and better trained employees, and this will help. And inflation has increased operating costs with all businesses.”

The Youngstown Symphony Society Inc. will receive $106,460, and Opera Western Reserve in Youngstown will receive $12,035.

The Henry H. Stambaugh Auditorium Association oversees the orchestra as part of its management agreement for DeYor Performing Arts Center.

In a written statement, Stambaugh’s Marketing and Advertising Manager Kelly McKee-Foos said, “We are incredibly grateful to have been awarded this grant. A majority of it will be used towards the 2023-24 season, and a portion will be used towards the upkeep and maintenance of the DeYor Performing Arts Center.”

In the news release announcing the grants, Gov. Mike DeWine said: “Ohio artists and arts organizations make our state an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family. Ohio is the heart of it all — and by supporting the arts, we continue to ensure artistic excellence.”

Awards were calculated based on organizations’ loss in revenue from 2019 to 2020 and 2021 and their 2022 operating budget.

agray@tribtoday.com