State Representative’s Larry B. Butler (D-Waterbury), David Aldarondo (D-Waterbury) and Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) welcomed grants to the city of Waterbury from the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). Waterbury arts and cultural organizations received four grants totaling $63,015. Statewide, a total of $3.15 million was distributed to 57 cities and towns through DECD’s Arts and State Historic Preservation Office.
“It is critical to support the cultural, artistic and historic preservation organizations so that they can achieve their goals and continue to add to Connecticut’s economic vitality and quality of life,” said Rep. Butler. “I’m pleased DECD included many Waterbury groups.”
The four groups in Waterbury who received grants are:
• The Mattatuck Museum $14,865
• Seven Angels Theatre $8,636
• Waterbury Region Arts & Culture Collaborative $$32,000
• Waterbury Symphony Orchestra $7,514
“It is important and the responsibility of those in public service to work diligently for scarce state grant dollars,” Rep. Berger said. “We have worked hard to showcase our arts and culture in the Waterbury area and these awards highlight that work. I will continue to fight for these and other critical state dollars to improve and sustain our quality of life and cultural heritage.”
The grant programs were designed to strengthen Connecticut’s arts infrastructure by offering funding to arts organizations that have consistently provided quality public programming and to establish a network of committed Local Arts Agencies helping to develop a statewide culture and tourism infrastructure to more effectively serve Connecticut’s citizens.
“These grants are good news for Waterbury’s residents,” Rep. Aldarondo said. “This financial support helps our people who are working on the local level to promote art and culture right in our own community.”