MANKATO-November 1, 2012-(KMKO)-The Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council has announced grants of $127,615 to area arts organizations, community groups and schools.  This fund was created by the people of Minnesota to support the arts and preserve our heritage. Arts and cultural heritage grants were awarded to 23 non-profit arts organizations, including Minnesota State University Mankato, Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra, Mankato Children’s Chorus, Mankato Symphony Orchestra  and Mankato Community Education.