Patrick Administration Announces $5.2 Million in New Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund Grants
June 17, 2013
Contacts:
Gregory Liakos, Massachusetts Cultural Council, 617-858-2700 x22720
greg.liakos@art.state.ma.us
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-488-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com
(Boston, MA) – Governor Deval Patrick announced grants today totaling nearly $5.2 million to support new capital projects for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, schools, and communities across Massachusetts.
These projects will expand access and education in the arts, history, and sciences; create jobs in construction and cultural tourism; and improve the quality of life in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. Organizations receiving funding in this round plan to invest $87 million in their projects.
“Supporting projects that expand access to the arts, humanities and sciences creates jobs, increases tourism and leaves a stronger Commonwealth for the next generation,” said Governor Patrick.
Grants range from $7,000 to $250,000, and must be matched with funds from private and/or other public sources. A full list of projects can be found online and includes:
- $100,000 to the Worcester Art Museum to make the museum more accessible to persons with disabilities.
- $78,000 for RAW Art Works in Lynn to expand its renowned youth arts and studio space in the Central Exchange Cultural District.
- $187,000 to the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River to construct a new heating and air conditioning system.
- $123,000 for the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket to enhance energy efficiency in four buildings, expand housing for artists, and improve visitor amenities on its National Historic Landmark campus.
“Since 2007 the CFF has made nearly 400 grants, investing more than $55 million in the cultural sector,” said Anita Walker, MCC Executive Director. “These grants helped launch many transformative projects, leveraging private sector dollars that have kept this sector growing and thriving. CFF has also helped our nonprofit organizations become better stewards of our cultural heritage.”
In total CFF-funded building projects will spend more than $1.5 billion, providing more than 14,000 building jobs to architects, engineers, contractors, and carpenters. The organizations also plan to add more than 1,400 permanent jobs after their capital projects are complete.
CFF grants have also helped restore and preserve many of our nation’s most cherished historic buildings, which attract cultural tourists to Massachusetts. More than 15 million people visit CFF-funded organizations annually, with nearly one third coming from out-of-state.
“Tourism is our state’s third-largest sector, and the arts and culture are key economic drivers in that industry,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “By funding capital projects at these cultural institutions, we help to ensure they continue to draw visitors to spend money in Massachusetts.”
About MCC
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency supporting the arts, humanities, and sciences to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. The MCC pursues this mission through grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists.
About MassDevelopment
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2012, MassDevelopment financed or managed 280 projects generating investment of more than $2.3 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create more than 12,000 jobs and build or rehabilitate 900 residential units.
