Arts Beat

Thirteen San Diego arts organizations are eligible for increased state funding through a new challenge grant that encourages innovation and outreach. Public art, international cultural exchange, major art exhibits featuring new works, season expansions and new arts in education programs are among the activities funded by a new California Arts Council grant.

Grantees must double or triple the state award with new private or, in the case of local government agencies, new public money. The grants will range from $15,000 to $100,000 depending on an organization’s budget.

To be eligible, arts groups must have an annual budget of at least $200,000 and have received council grants for artistic and administrative development or for support to prominent organizations.

An arts council spokeswoman said the following San Diego organizations are eligible for the new award: the City Council’s Public Arts Advisory Board, the California Ballet, the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, the Gaslamp Quarter Theatre, the Old Globe Theatre, the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Opera, the San Diego Repertory Theatre, KPBS Radio (FM 89.5), the San Diego Symphony and the La Jolla Playhouse.

The deadline for applications is March 14.