CULTURAL ARTS GRANTS AWARDED

 HARRISBURG, SEPT. 16 – State Sen. Connie Williams highlighted the importance of the arts to a region in commending local constituents and organizations on successful 5-County Arts Fund grants.

 “No one should ever underestimate the value of arts to the community,” Williams said. “Having access to the arts provides an opportunity to learn, to grow as an individual, to relax and to make your aspirations a reality. Arts organizations add to the lifestyle people can enjoy in a community and make the community a destination point for people from surrounding areas.”

 Williams also credited the organizations and individuals that support the arts for providing the financial backing to keep the arts vibrant.

 Recently, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance awarded the 2005-06 grants for the 5-County Arts Fund. The fund is a Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts program, supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and PECO. Some of the Montgomery County projects also received funding from Montgomery County.

 The award recipients were:

Delaware County

·        ContempraDance Theatre -- $1,543 – to fund collaboration between choreographers, dancers, a composer with live musicians, and a visual artist to be premiered for students participating in ContempraDance Theatre’s Youth Regional Dance Festival.

Montgomery County

·        Elena Drozdova of Jenkintown -- $1,866 – to support a community stained glass project. The windows will be designed and painted by the artist and students of NASD.
 

·        Norristown Chorale -- $850 – to present the Rutter Requiem at its major works concert March 25, 2006. The Chorale will be accompanied by a professional pianist and a chamber strings, harp and organ, and two soloists.

·        Pagus Gallery -- $1,724 – to support a gallery of contemporary art: to provide an opportunity for Norristown Area High School students to attend lectures, have student exhibitions, aid in preparing seniors for further art education and provide opportunities for workshop attendance and residency.