MONTPELIER — Two Addison County institutions were among the 16 Vermont arts and community organizations that shared in a pot of $300,000 in Cultural Facilities Grants recently announced by the Vermont Arts Council. The money will provide critical funds to enhance, create or expand the capacity of an existing building offering cultural activities for the public.
The Cultural Facilities Grant Program supports up to $30,000 in capital improvements to town halls, theaters, library buildings, museums, community centers, and other public spaces where Vermonters gather for arts and cultural activities.
Qualifying improvements include bringing public buildings into compliance with fire codes, supporting the installation of new HVAC or ventilation systems, and increasing accessibility through elevators, assistive listening systems, and ramps, among others.
Town Hall Theater in Middlebury was among four institutions that received $30,000 grants. The Arts Council said THT would use the money to help buy a new sound system that integrates with current assistive listening devices.
In Goshen, the Ruth Stone House received an $18,538 grant to support the installation of a new heating system at the late poet’s home.
Since the program began 20 years ago, grants totaling $4 million have enabled over 340 arts and cultural institutions across Vermont to make essential improvements to their buildings. Grant funds also support local Vermont contractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and construction crews, typically hired to complete the projects.
For more information about the Cultural Facilities program, head online to tinyurl.com/VtArtsFacilities.
