Wallingford Arts Groups Receiving State Coronavirus Grants

WALLINGFORD, CT — Two arts groups in Wallingford are among 154 nonprofit organizations in Connecticut that will be sharing in $9 million in grants under a program designed to provide support to the state’s arts community amid the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday.

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

To be considered for a grant, the nonprofit had to be a performing arts center, school of the arts, or performing group for whom grants will make a difference in terms of survival or rehiring; and have had to curtail operations for a period of time due to the pandemic and which have had limited ability to reopen due to pandemic restrictions or have had to pivot their service delivery due to pandemic restrictions.

The Wallingford groups receiving funding are:

• Square Foot Theatre Company, Wallingford, $9,500
• Wallingford Community Theatre, Wallingford, $8,400

“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.”

Qualifying organizations 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, according to a news release. The program uses federal CARES Act funding from the state's Coronavirus Relief Fund.

“The year 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges to Connecticut’s arts organizations and they have risen to the occasion in every possible way,” said Liz Shapiro, DECD’s Director of Arts, Preservation, and Museums. “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.”

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