January 27, 2012

REP. LESSER ANNOUNCES STATE FUNDING FOR MIDDLETOWN ARTS

State Representative Matt Lesser, who represents Durham, Middlefield and Middletown in the Connecticut General Assembly, announced that the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Oddfellows Playhouse and North End Arts Rising will receive grants from the state.

“Funding the arts is a smart investment,” said Lesser. “Arts not only enhance the quality of life for area residents, but they also boost tourism and attract tourism dollars—and that is great news for local businesses.”

The Middletown Commission on the Arts will receive a $7,000 Local Arts Agency Cultural Leadership Grant from the state’s Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)/CT Office of the Arts (COA) through the Local Arts Agency Cultural Leadership Grants program. This grant program is designed to help develop a statewide culture and tourism infrastructure.

Oddfellows will receive $12,797 and North End Rising will get $2,179 through General Operating Support grants. These grants, administered through DECD/COA, are given to strengthen organizations that have consistently provided quality public programming.