MONTPELIER – The Vermont Arts Council has announced over $300,000 in Cultural Facilities Grants to 19 Vermont arts and community organizations, providing critical funds to enhance, create, or expand the capacity of existing buildings that offer cultural activities for the public. Three local organizations are among the recipients.
Organizations receiving grants include the Greensboro Historical Society, $1,665 to support installation of light-protecting window shades; the The Robinson Sawmill, Calais, $15,000 to support the rebuild of the penstock intake; and Town of Plainfield, $8,480 to support audio reinforcement, an assisted listening system, and a large-format video projection with secured storage.
Each year, the Cultural Facilities Grant Program supports grants of up to $30,000 in capital improvements to town halls, theaters, library buildings, museums, community centers, and other public spaces where Vermonters gather for arts and cultural activities. Qualifying improvements include bringing public buildings into compliance with fire codes, supporting the installation of new HVAC or ventilation systems, and increasing accessibility through elevators, assistive listening systems, and ramps, among others.
The grant program is part of the Building Communities Grant Programs established by the Vermont Legislature to help communities preserve important historic buildings and enhance community facilities. The Council partners with the Vermont Historical Society and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation to administer the program. A panel of experts in historic preservation, architecture, and other building and accessibility expertise determines award recipients.
