October 5, 2015

McGorty, Stratford Legislators Applaud Funds for Cultural Groups

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State Representatives Laura Hoydick (R-120), Ben McGorty (R-122), Terry Backer (D-121) and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) are applauding the announcement by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) that it will provide $1,990,386 in grants to 20 nonprofit organizations that sponsor cultural and historic sites in the state, including two in Stratford.

Through the Good to Great Program, administered by DECD’s Offices of Arts and Historic Preservation, grants are being awarded to eligible organizations that promote science, art, culture, or the history of Connecticut.

The Friends of Booth Park will receive $60,000 and the Stratford Stage Group will receive $125,000.

Boothe Memorial Park, Stratford, CT

“Since 1984, the Friends of Boothe has provided a variety of wonderful events and experiences for the benefit of the general public while preserving the Stratford heritage bestowed on us by the Boothe brothers,” said Rep. Hoydick. “I applaud the awarding of the $60,000 in grant funds to support the important work consistently being done by this great organization. As we have become accustomed to the quality of programming delivered by Friends of Boothe, we expect great things from Stratford Stage whose mission is to restore Shakespeare Theater and redevelop the site to include a hotel and cultural center. I am looking forward to their success and am thankful to DECD for providing a grant of $125,000 for their use.”

“I appreciate the efforts of our local leaders and those at DECD to ensure these grant funds to two great organizations in Stratford,” said Rep. McGorty. “The Friends of Booth Park have made tremendous contributions to the quality of life and the arts in Stratford and the new Stratford Stage Group are poised to do great work. I look forward to seeing them make good use of these funds to continue what they do.”

“Keeping the unique Stratford experience viable is a top priority,” said Rep. Backer. “This funding says Boothe Park and the Shakespeare Theatre are important icons that merit our continued support and appreciation.”

“Historic preservation and support of the Arts is an investment for the entire community,” said Senator Kelly “These grants along with matching funds from Friends of Booth Park and Stratford Stage Group will provide joy for years to come.”

“Connecticut has a rich cultural history. By making these investments, we’re ensuring that our museums and other cultural sites remain unique, world-class places to visit and become much more compelling experiences for visitors,” Governor Malloy said. “Connecticut is an incredible place to live and visit – and we’re working hard today so that our state has an even brighter future tomorrow.”

Good to Great was created in 2014 to fund improvements that will significantly enhance cultural and historic sites and the way people enjoy them. Specifically, the program will target smaller and mid-sized cultural organizations that have received limited state funding in the past.

Funding, which ranges from $50,000 to $125,000 grants, can be used for a variety of activities including construction, exhibit designing and installation, planning and marketing. This pilot program has a 25% cash match requirement. Click here to learn more about the program.