MONTPELIER – On Monday the Vermont Arts Council announced more than $430,000 grants will be awarded next year, several of which will help arts organizations whose facilities and programs were damged by Tropical Storm Irene.

“A quick review of the projects and services that are funded through these grant decisions reveals not only a vibrant cultural sector, but also one that is trying to make the most out of a limited resource,” said Executive Director Alex Aldrich. “I’m particularly pleased that we were able to provide operating support to so many organizations. This is the most difficult money for an organization to raise, and we hope that recognizing these fine organizations with such a grant will encourage others to do the same.”

The Arts Council awarded $430,665 grants to 67 organizations in 13 of Vermont’s 14 counties, plus one grant in New Hampshire, for the 2013 fiscal year.

Project money covers three areas: modifying buildings for cultural activities, two-year operating support grants, and project grants that help nonprofits, municipalities and schools focused on Vermont communities.
In Washington County, recipients and awards include:

• Town of Plainfield for $28,370 to improve exterior drainage and address mold abatement in the Plainfield Town Hall Opera House.

• Barre Opera House for $3,300 to support performing arts programs for central Vermont and expand educational opportunities in the arts for young people.

• Green Mountain Cultural Center in Waitsfield for $3,300 to support visual and performing arts in the Mad River Valley and nearby communities through festivals, performances and exhibits.

• Eleva Chamber Players, a string chamber orchestra in Waterbury, for $2,000 to support two concerts and music coaching for students at Montpelier public schools.

• Monteverdi Music School in Montpelier for $2,000 to support a series of recitals, master classes and workshops.

• Montpelier Alive for $2,000 to support the commissioning of a new dance work by the Montpelier Movement Collective to be performed at Winter Fest for 2013.

• Montpelier Chamber Orchestra Society for $1,625 to support the two concert programs and the “My Family” community engagement project.

The sole project recipient for Rutland County was the town of Pawlet, which is receiving $26,930. A fire staircase for the town hall will provide emergency access to the upstairs auditorium.