The Individual Excellence Awards are an annual competitive program that recognizes artistic achievement and supports the creation of new work across Ohio.
The finalists will compete in the Ohio Poetry Out Loud competition on Friday, Feb. 7 in Columbus. The winner advances to the POL National Finals in Washington, D.C., May 5-7.
The funding is going to 11 Southwest Ohio organizations that range from from large museums and small theaters to dance companies and visual arts initiatives.
The collection of Greater Cincinnati and Dayton organizations received funding to support efforts ranging from music education and gallery exhibitions to academic research.