SANTA MONICA—Independent television and digital media company, Ovation TV, is holding its Creative Economy innOVATION Grant Awards Program. The program is provided by the company’s The Ovation Foundation. The foundation has announced a call for entries. Participants must create the most innovative model programs and projects that prepare artists for jobs in the creative field. The five most innovative programs will each receive a $20,000 grant.

“The 21st Century workforce looks vastly different from that of the last. Today’s most-successful companies seek out creative, innovative and artistic thinkers. These workers make up the Creative Economy. As America’s only arts network, we want to acknowledge those who are working to invest in and support this important sector of our country’s economy,” said Charles Segars, Chairman of the Ovation Foundation and CEO of Ovation TV.

This year, the Ovation Foundation has gathered a panel of judges that will review submissions and determine the five awardees. The judges for this year’s program include Senator Ben Allen, Debbie Allen, Babette Allina, Dennis Cheek, John M. Eger, Christine Harris, Robert L. Lynch, Kimberly Ritter-Martinez, Narric Rome, Joe Smoke, Dee Schneidman.

“In this age of fast-changing technology, there is no better time to invest in the creative spine of our world as it is the artists’ execution that leads to true innovation. That said, I am proud and hope to lend my expertise and heart to the esteemed panel of creative people for this year’s innOVATION Grant Awards as we honor the real mission of the artist, which is to encourage and inspire to blossom,” said Debbie Allen.

“Every day the arts transform America’s communities and creative industries play a large role in that work,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “The innOVATION Grant Awards are a way for Americans for the Arts and Ovation to bring more arts and community leaders together with the business sector to build a stronger creative workforce. When the arts and business come together, everyone wins.”

Applicants’ programs for the Creative Economy innOVATION Grant Awards should revolve around the development of projects that enhance workforce development and skills training, by fostering the growth and sustainability of the creative industries. Judges will look over content, partnership opportunities, and how technology is used creatively as a medium to enhance workforce development and skills training to better prepare individuals for a competitive global economy. To view the grant guidelines and access the online application, visit www.TheOvationFoundation.org. To view past programs and grant awardees from The Ovation Foundation visit, http://www.theovationfoundation.org/innovation-grant-awards-program/previous-programs/.

The Ovation Foundation also has the program Arts Ed Toolkit. The Arts Ed Toolkit is an award-winning national educational initiative that was designed with the NCTA Foundation and New York City Department of Education, and Office of Arts and Special Projects. The program provides free online education resources to teachers. The resources cover subject areas such as art, music, dance,  and theatre for grades 9-12.

The application process for Creative Economy innOVATION Grant Awards began on Tuesday, September 20. Interested applicants have until Friday, October 28 to apply. The grant review process begins October 31, and the grant awardees will be announced on December 16.

Ovation is an independent television and digital media company dedicated to celebrating and supporting all forms of arts and culture.