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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 nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.

The announcement was made jointly by Ovation CEO Charles Segars and Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch during a reception and screening of artists stories from the making of Motor City Rising for members of Congress, representatives from Federal Cultural Agencies and cultural leaders from across the country. The event was co-hosted by Ovation, the Congressional Arts Caucus, Representative Hansen Clarke (MI-13) and other members of the Michigan Delegation.

"Ovation is delighted to launch a program that will help support communities that use the arts to revitalize local economies, create jobs and spur ingenuity," said Ovation CEO Charles Segars. "The solution to our nation's problems can be found through innovation, and innovation is made possible through the arts. The arts can and do make life better for all of us."

"The innOVATION Grant Program is a solid step forward in bolstering local economies through the arts," said President and CEO of Americans for the Arts Robert L. Lynch. "We're delighted that Americans for the Arts' membership base will have this unique opportunity to not only be recognized for their great work but also to be given the means to further augment their projects. We're proud to work with Ovation on this exciting opportunity for cities throughout America."

"Art works in every community in this country," said National Endowment for the Arts chairman Rocco Landesman. "And no one understands that better than mayors, who can see firsthand the ways that the arts can encourage diverse people to come together in the spirit of community, increase community vibrancy and attachment, and rejuvenate local economies. I salute Ovation for creating The innOVATION Grant Program to invest in artists and communities across this country."

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 web site, providing a national platform for these encouraging stories.

Ovation, Americans for the Arts and national experts in creative place making will select this year's grant recipients based on creative, economic and social impact, as well as ability to bring together public, private, non-profit and community efforts to improve and enhance a specific region around arts and cultural activities. The grant recipients will be announced in October 2012. The innOVATION Grant Program guidelines and application will be available online at Americans for the Arts after June 15.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org

Ovation is the only multi-platform network celebrating all forms of artistic expression. Its programming tells the stories of artists, their work, and the powerful impact art has on each of us. Ovation programming is a one-of-a-kind mix of original and selectively curated documentaries, series, films and specials. The network reaches a national audience of 51 million homes and is available on cable systems across the country, as well as nationally on DIRECTV, Dish and Verizon FiOS. Ovation is also available in HD and VOD (both in standard and high definition). Ovation extends its linear channel experience for viewers online via its popular website, www.ovationtv.com. In addition to offering contests, trivia, facts and supplemental video online, the network has created an award-winning online community (www.ovationtv.com/community) for everyone from passionate artists to the curious. To date, over 190,000 pieces of original art have been uploaded to the site by members.