Ovation, the only network dedicated to art, artists and all forms of artistic storytelling, is putting its money where its passion is once again, this time funding a national arts grant program called The innOVATION Grant Program. Inspired by the remarkable community revitalization effort documented in the network's upcoming original series Motor City Rising, and eager to support similar stories of artist-led neighborhood renewal across the nation, Ovation is contributing $110,000 for the initial year's grants. The program will be managed by Americans for the Arts.

The innOVATION Grant Program invites mayors, county executives, or other elected leadership of their community to endorse the most inspiring story of artists helping to revitalize a community in their city. Ovation will feature the most compelling submissions on its Facebook page and website, providing a national platform for these encouraging stories.

Ovation, Americans for the Arts, and national experts in creative placemaking will select this year's grant recipients based on creative, economic, and social impact, as well as ability to bring together public, private, nonprofit, and community efforts to improve and enhance a specific region around arts and cultural activities.

The innOVATION Grant Program guidelines and application will be available online after June 18 and grant recipients will be announced in October 2012.