The Bellevue Arts Commission has recommended 17 organizations to receive funding from the city.

The commission, a panel of volunteers that guides the city’s arts program and Standing Ovation, a nonprofit arts funding group, offer support to local arts organizations through the Eastside Arts Partnership program. Through its Special Projects program, the city supports artists and groups whose work benefits Bellevue.

This year, 32 arts organizations and artists working in Bellevue applied for funding. The commission recommended that 17 organizations receive a total of $121,600 in EAP funding. Eleven artists and groups were chosen to receive $33,600 in Special Projects funding.

The number of Bellevue residents attending EAP and Special Projects arts events in Bellevue is expected to increase by 5 percent in 2008, to 402,657 people, Betina Finley, chairwoman of the Bellevue Arts Commission, told the council. Eleven groups recommended for EAP funding plan to add events in 2008. Of the groups recommended for EAP funding, 14 offer one or more free events to the public each year.

The council directed staff to ensure that activities supported by EAP funds allocated in 2008 do not overlap with those funded by special allocations council made in 2007. The council is expected to formally approve the recommendations within the next several weeks.

The complete list of successful applicants will be accessible www.bellevuewa.gov/arts_program.htm.