Region-wide – Windham Arts is pleased to announce that $35,000 has been awarded to 8 recipients throughout its 22-town region in Northeastern CT. The Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA), developed the Regional Initiative Grant program (REGI) in partnership with its nine Designated Regional Service and Organizations. These regional partners make up an effective statewide service network of which Windham Arts is a member. The pilot REGI grant program was designed for grant seekers interested in the creation of small cultural projects that expand equitable access to the creative process and/or creative experiences, especially projects that experiment with new ways to apply the arts within its community.
“Northeastern CT is mostly made up of small creative businesses which have a hard time competing with larger organizations throughout the state and so have not historically been the recipients of many grant dollars. This program is really exciting in that $35,000 is being awarded to our constituents for some very intriguing and exciting programs,” said Karl Norton, President of Windham Arts.
The FY2016 REGI grant awardees in our region include: Bill Dougal of Lebanon, Ben Keller of Hebron, Hampton Recreation & Community Activities Commission, CLICK of Willimantic, Windham Region Arts Council, Leila Philip of Woodstock, Oak Grove Montessori School of Mansfield, Cris Cadiz and Denise Matthews of Pomfret and Northeast CT Art Guild.
Stated Kristina Newman-Scott, the Connecticut Office of the Art’s Director of Culture, “It’s essential that we work with our outstanding regional partners to experiment with and learn new ways to more equitably deliver funding throughout the many municipalities and myriad villages that frame our state’s landscape. While these REGI projects represent a relatively small investment, drawn from a combination of our state funds and National Endowment for the Arts federal grant, they can have a very positive impact on the state’s wealth of small, grass roots cultural organizations and impressive artists and creative workers. We think these neighborhood projects will add immensely to the rich, cultural life of our communities.”
The Connecticut Office of the Arts develops and strengthens the arts in Connecticut and makes artistic experiences widely available to residents and visitors. Through its grant programs, the Office of the Arts invests in Connecticut artists and arts organizations, encourages the public’s participation as creators, learners, supporters, and audience members, and connects people to the arts to build vital communities across the state. Please visit www.cultureandtourism.org for more information.
Windham Arts is the Connecticut State Office of The Arts Designated Regional Cultural Service Organization for Northeast CT. Windham Arts is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the arts, history, culture and tourism throughout its 22-town region. Please visit windhamarts.org for more information or call 860-423-6389.