Creative minds at 121 Oregon arts organizations will be empowered by $1,031,593 in fiscal year 2019 Operating Support Grants from the Oregon Arts Commission. Ranging from $3,000 to $ 29,750, the grants are available to nonprofit organizations with arts at the core of their mission and budgets over $150,000*. “We often hear that these are the most important grants we award,” said Arts Commission Chair Christopher Acebo. “They alleviate some of the economic pressure and allow Oregon arts organizations to focus on their missions.” *Organizations with budgets under $150,000 are eligible to apply for Small Operating Grants. Fiscal year 2019 Operating Support Grants were awarded to: Coast:  Artula Institute for Art and Environmental Education, Bandon: $3,000; Astoria Music Festival Inc, Astoria: $5,914; Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay:  $5,974; Liberty Restoration Inc, Astoria: $3,000; Lincoln City Cultural Center, Lincoln City: $4,257; Newport Symphony Orchestra, Newport : $3,691; Oregon Coast Council for the Arts, Newport: $12,914; Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Otis: $7,856.