QUICK TAKES - July 8, 2009

More than 600 arts organizations around the country can each look forward to receiving a big check in the coming weeks thanks to the latest round of grants announced Tuesday by the National Endowment for the Arts. The grants represent part of the $50 million in federal aid to the NEA from President Obama’s economic stimulus package.

The new grants, which total $29.78 million, will be dispersed among 633 arts groups. Arts groups in California will reap a total of $4.45 million from the latest round of grants. Among the recipients in Southern California are MOCA, CalArts, Actors’ Gang and the L.A. Chamber Orchestra. The L.A. County Arts Commission will receive $250,000, as will L.A.’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

-- David Ng