Here's the latest news from the Madison Arts Commission.

It should interest not only artists and non-profits, but also to citizens who want to see how their tax dollars get used to support the arts locally.

The press release reads: March 15, 2008 is the last day to apply for a Project, Signature or artWORKS! Grant. Annual Grants Programs distributes funds to Madison artists and non-profit arts organizations through three annual grant programs.

Project Grants provide up to $2,500 for performances, exhibits or events that enrich the cultural lives of Madison citizens.

The Signature Grant will provide up to $5,000 for a new and original work.

ArtWORKS! Grants provide up to $5,000 for neighborhood after-school arts-based educational programming.

Thinking of applying? The Madison Arts Commission invites you to attend a MAC grant writing Workshop. There is no cost for this one-hour workshop intended to give you a brief introduction to MAC's grants process, from a review of our guidelines to a description of the panel review of your application (workshop does not cover the BLINK grant).

The same session will be offered on two different dates/times, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, 6-7 p.m. OR Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Room LL-110 of the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. All are invited, but new applicants are especially encouraged to attend.

Annual Grants Workshop Space is limited.

Call or e-mail Karin Wolf, Arts Program Administrator to register (kwolf@cityofmadison.com or 608 261-9134). To register include your name or name of your organization, title, e-mail address and phone number. The mailing addres is: Karin Wolf, Madison Arts Program Administrator, Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development, Madison Arts Commission, Madison Municipal Building, Room 200, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard or P.O. Box 2985, Madison, WI 53701-2985.

The commision's press release adds: Please note: The City of Madison has a very broad public records law. Written communication is considered to be public records and will be made available to the public and the media upon request. Therefore, your e-mail message may be subject to public disclosure.