Madison Arts Nonprofits To Receive State Grants

MADISON, CT — Three Madison nonprofit arts organizations will receive state COVID Relief Fund for the Arts grants, Gov. Ned Lamont announced.

Cappella Cantorum, Friends of Madison Youth/Arts Barn, and Madison Lyric Stage, are among the 154 arts organizations who’ll share in the $9 million in grants under the program created to provide support to the state’s arts community amid the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The nonprofit groups chosen are performing arts centers, schools of the arts, or performing groups for whom grants will make a difference in terms of survival or rehiring and are ones that the pandemic forced to curtail operations and which have had limited ability to reopen due to pandemic restrictions or have had to pivot their service delivery due to pandemic restrictions.

Qualifying organizations will receive a base grant of $5,000. For organizations that have raised funds between March 10 and November 1, 2020, the program will offer a supplemental match of up to 50 percent of contributed income during that period. The program uses federal CARES Act funding from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund.

“Connecticut’s arts community provides an incredible amount of good for our state and supports thousands of jobs,” Lamont said. “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. “These organizations play a critical role in shaping the character of our communities, providing forums for engaging public dialogue, and positively impacting the economy. While we are thrilled to offer this support, it is important to understand that this funding, while certainly helpful, does not solve these organizations’ financial challenges. I strongly encourage residents and donors to do everything they can to support these organizations in the months ahead.”

In Madison, Cappella Cantorum will receive a $6,900 grant, Friends of Madison Youth will get a $5,800 grant and, the Madison Lyric Stage will receive a $12,200 grant.

Cappella Cantorum is a community chorus.

"The impact on the performing arts has been catastrophic, and the full consequences still unknown. Due to the means of transmission of the virus through the air, choral singing is considered to be a potentially very dangerous activity," Cappella Cantorum wrote on its website as it looks forward to returning in 2021. "Brighter days are ahead. The chorus will return!"

Known as the Friends of Madison Youth, the Madison Arts Barn — or just 'The Barn' —is a "creative outlet and venue of expression for local teens and young adults."

"The youth of the Connecticut shoreline can attend and participate in concerts, creative workshops, theatrical performances, and more all in a safe and supportive environment. It is our goal to bring the community together through music, arts and culture and to empower young people by supporting them in the exploration of their interests and passions."

Madison Lyric Stage

Madison Lyric Stage is a nonprofit arts collective that presents "professional-quality entertainment drawn from the worlds of opera, musical theater and drama."

And they will be back!