4 Bridgeport Arts Organization Receive Boost From State

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced that 154 nonprofit arts organizations in Connecticut will be receiving $9 million in grants this month to provide support to the state’s arts community amid the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID Relief Fund for the Arts, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), was created to support arts nonprofits.

"Connecticut’s arts community provides an incredible amount of good for our state and supports thousands of jobs," Lamont said in a statement. "Like nearly every segment of our communities, many of nonprofit arts organizations are struggling to recover from its impact. These grants will provide some needed support so that these groups can continue providing the services in our state that on which many depend."

“The year 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges to Connecticut’s arts organizations and they have risen to the occasion in every possible way,” Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation, and Museums, said in a statement. “These organizations play a critical role in shaping the character of our communities, providing forums for engaging public dialogue, and positively impacting the economy."

The following local organizations received funding via the program:

Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Bridgeport, $30,900

Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundation, Bridgeport, $58,500

Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Bridgeport $43,000

Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport, $39,200