NORRISTOWN, PA — Arts and culture organizations across Senate District Seventeen have received a significant financial boost courtesy of the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program. Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Montgomery/Delaware) recently announced that $266,907 has been awarded to several projects in the region.
The grants were announced at a Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) meeting and will support institutions in Montgomery and Delaware counties. The recipients include Expressive Path Inc., Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries, Kelly Music for Life, Inc., Main Line Art Center, Norristown Zoological Society, Theatre Horizon, and Wayne Art Center.
The largest grant of $95,000 was awarded to the Norristown Zoological Society, also known as Elmwood Park Zoo. The funds will be used to bolster the zoo’s operations and its performing arts organization. Other significant grants include $42,929 for the Wayne Art Center and $33,508 for Theatre Horizon.
Senator Cappelletti lauded the positive impact of the grants on the local arts scene and the broader community. “When we support the arts, not only are we helping creatives flourish in the Commonwealth, but we are also giving the whole community the opportunity to engage with ideas and experiences outside of their daily routine,” said Senator Cappelletti.
The Wayne Art Center, a staple in the community since 1931, and the Main Line Art Center will use the awards to offset revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Representative Lisa Borowski (HD-168), who collaborated with Senator Cappelletti to secure funding for the Wayne Art Center, praised the senator’s advocacy for the district’s institutions.
The COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program was established to provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts, and arts and culture professionals in the Commonwealth. The aim is to ensure the stability and recovery of Pennsylvania’s arts and culture sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As these organizations continue to recover from the financial strain caused by the pandemic, this funding will play a crucial role in helping them maintain their operations, support local artists, and continue enriching the community with their contributions to arts and culture.
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