Two Croton Groups Receive Arts Grants

Sixteen arts organizations in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, including two in Croton-on-Hudson, have received a total of $244,789 in grants from the New York State Council on the Arts. The council made the announcement in conjunction with State Senator Terrence Murphy of the Fortieth Senate District.

This direct-funding grant money is in addition to the arts decentralization grants provided to organizations to support local programs.

"Investing in the arts increases the economic, cultural and educational value of our communities," Senator Murphy said.

Friends of Music Concerts, Inc., received a grant for $4,000. The group will present six chamber music concerts by both world renowned ensembles and distinguished up and coming artists. Their grant will also fund a chamber ensemble's residencies in two public school districts.

Hudson Stage Company received $6,500. The funds will support their programming, which includes two stage productions and four staged readings.

Other Westchester organizations that received grants include Copland House, Peekskill; Hammond Museum, Inc., North Salem; Historic Hudson Valley, Pocantico Hills; the Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville; and the Hudson Valley's Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow.