The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation has given $8.1 million in grants to four arts groups noted for supporting emerging talent, commissioning new works and presenting performing artists to audiences around the country.

The largest grant is a $3.2 million contribution to help New 42nd Street Inc. build a 10-story performing arts center in New York. A 199-seat theater will be named "Duke on 42nd" in recognition of Doris Duke. The gift is the largest charitable donation so far to the $22 million project, scheduled to begin construction this fall.

The National Dance Project has been given a $2 million matching grant to support the creation and performance of new dance works. The NDF is part of the New England Foundation for the Arts. NEFA will match the gift with public and private funds.

The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis has received a $1.5 million grant. One-third of the gift will be used to commission and present works by contemporary jazz artists. The remaining $1 million will be matched by the Walker Center to endow music and dance projects.

The National Performance Network will receive $1.1 million to commission new work, support artist residencies, finance annual member meetings and support artists and presenters in more than 40 communities represented by the network.

The Duke Charitable Foundation has more than $1.4 billion in assets. It was established in 1997 by the estate of Doris Duke. The foundation supports performing arts, environmental causes and medical research, and expects to award $45 million in grants this year.