By Lucas Willard
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Pittsfield, MA – The Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities Fund is extending over 1.4 million dollars in grants to Western Massachusetts alone. Art museums, libraries, theaters and other cultural non-profits in Western Mass are receiving up to 250 thousand dollars apiece. Those receiving the grants had to endure an extensive application and review process that involves experts in building and non-profits, and a ranking system of impact on local communities.
This is great news for the financial health of Massachusetts, especially the Western part of the state. Greg Liakos from the Massachusetts Cultural Council explains that the arts are a huge driving force of the area's economy.
The grant money is intended to help non-profits that need help with the day-to-day details -anything from fixing a roof and busted windows, to helping purchase land or new facilities.
The Northampton Community Music Center is one organization benefiting from the Cultural Council grants. They'll be receiving 100 thousand dollars to help keep costs down for students and to expand their operating capacity. Executive Director Jason Trotta says that it can be hard to fund-raise for repairs and upkeep.
The Northampton Community Music Center is located in a building that was previously used as an elementary school. Trotta explains that the grant is helping the school close in on its total fundraising goals.
This was the second round of grant money awarded by the Cultural Facilities Fund since its foundation in 2006. Reporting from WAMC's Berkshire Bureau at the Berkshire Eagle, I'm Lucas Willard.