Funded Projects
Central
CAPITAL GRANTS
EcoTarium,
Worcester
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Grant: $51,917
About the Facility: EcoTarium is one of the
country's oldest natural history organizations, and offers indoor
and outdoor exhibits, planetarium shows and educational programs.
Since 1971, the facilities have been powered by a co-generation
plant which was leading technology 37 years ago but today has
become dated and unreliable.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $51,917 to help EcoTarium complete a two-phase plan
to update and replace its heating and energy systems. This project
will help the organization reduce the operating costs of its 60,000-square-feet
facility.
Fitchburg Historical Society
Phoenix Building Accessibility
Grant: $106,800
About the Facility: In 2003, the Fitchburg Historical Society purchased the distinctive late 19th century Phoenix Building. The building needs a number of improvements to enable its adaptive reuse by the Society, including accessibility and fire suppression upgrades.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Fitchburg Historical Society $106,800 for phase one of a two-phase project to allow occupancy in the Phoenix Building. Phase one will consist of the construction of an elevator and staircase to allow for greater accessibility.
Hanover
Theatre for the Performing Arts
Poli Palace Theatre Restoration
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: Originally built in 1904, the 66,000-sq.-ft.
Poli Palace Theatre has undergone a number of transformations:
It was updated in 1925 by theatre architect Thomas Lamb, converted
in 1967 to a 4-cinema movie theatre, and eventually closed in
the mid 1990s, falling into disrepair.
About the Project: In 2002, Hanover Theatre
for the Performing Arts was formed to restore the Poli Palace
Theatre and transform it into a modern 2,300-seat performing arts
center that will host concerts, Broadway tours, family shows,
and performances by local arts organizations. The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $675,000 for the project.
John Woodman Higgins Armory, Inc.
Repair and Stabilization of the Higgins Armory
Grant: $280,000
About the Facility: The John Woodman Higgins
Armory Museum has an extensive collection of international arms
and armor, which is housed in one of the earliest examples of
steel frame and glass curtain architecture in the country. The
collection is threatened by a lack of stability in some of the
Museum building's steel beams.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded John Woodman Higgins Armory $280,000 toward the stabilization
of steel beams and the painting and glazing of the museum's exterior.
Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, Worcester
Tuckerman Hall Expansion
Grant: $41,000
About the Facility: Massachusetts Symphony
Orchestra offers concerts and presents lectures and other civic
functions from the historic Tuckerman Hall, a 12,000-sq-ft, 550-seat
hall built in 1898. Despite several renovations beginning in 1999,
Tuckerman Hall still has some space constraints in the backstage
area.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded
Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra $41,000 for architectural and
engineering drawings, plans and specifications to build a 2,600+
square foot wing addition to Tuckerman Hall. This expansion will
create much-needed backstage space for performers and provide
handicapped access to the stage.
Tower
Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston 
Tower Hill Quandrangle
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: In 1986, the Worcester County Horticultural
Society opened Tower Hill Botanic Garden, a 132-acre site that
offers educational programs and tours of its extensive gardens,
parks, and greenhouses. Tower Hill has a 50-year master plan for
the development of its facilities.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $675,000
for phase four of Tower Hill Botanic Garden's master plan, which
includes renovations and new construction to complete the Quadrangle--a
complex containing a visitor center, restaurant, a new greenhouse
and other structures.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Fruitlands
Museum, Harvard
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Comprehensive master plan to
guide long-term development and operation of the museum
Worcester Historical Museum, Worcester
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Business plan and partnership model plan for the development of the Worcester/Blackstone Visitor Center
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Greater Boston
CAPITAL GRANTS
ArtsBoston
Faneuil Hall BosTix Booth Renovation
Grant: $180,000
About the Facility: ArtsBoston sells half-price
tickets and provides arts information at two BosTix booths located
at Copley Place and Faneuil Hall. While the Copley Place booth
was built in 1994, construction of the Faneuil Hall booth was
completed in 1979; the Faneuil Hall booth has had no substantial
renovation since its opening.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded ArtsBoston $180,000 for the first major renovation
of ArtsBoston's Faneuil Hall BosTix booth. The project will involve
updating the exterior of the booth, reconfiguring the interior
to improve workflow, and adding external signage and lighting.
Berklee College of Music, Boston
Café 939 @ Berklee
Grant: $200,000
About the Facility: The world's largest independent music college, Berklee College of Music began planning two years ago to develop a café venue that would offer burgeoning musical talent the opportunity to perform in a public setting. The result was Café 939, a 4,000-square-foot space that includes a café and a flexible live performance space that seats 50 to 200 people.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Berklee College of Music $200,000 to support the transformation of a former architect's studio in Boston's Back Bay into Café 939, which includes a coffehouse and a soon-to-be-open performance venue.
Boston Ballet, Inc.
Deferred Maintenance
Grant: $90,000
About the Facility: The Boston Ballet's 60,000 square foot headquarters includes education, office and rehearsal space. However, its HVAC system is inadequate to support a multi-purpose facility of this size.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Boston Ballet $90,000 to support the installation of a digital heating and cooling system and other deferred maintenance projects.
Boston Center for the Arts, Inc.
Deferred Maintenance and Environmental Design Initiative
Grant: $400,000
About the Facility: Occupying a historic city block in Boston's South End, the Boston Center for the Arts houses below-market studio, performance and exhibition space for working artists and arts organizations. It is currently addressing the deferred and future maintenance needs of its 130-year-old buildings.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Boston Center for the Arts $400,000 for the replacement of heating and HVAC systems and the redesign of the organization's historic outdoor plaza.
The Boston Conservatory
Theater Building Expansion and Renovation
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: The Boston Conservatory presents more than 250 free and low-cost performances annually, mostly from its Main Stage on Hemenway Street. Built in 1949 and expanded in 1958, the theater building has a number of limitations; the Main Stage theater has little wing space and no orchestra pit, and the dance studios are inadequate in size.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Boston Conservatory $675,000 for a major facilities
initiative, including extensive renovations to the Conservatory's
existing 350-seat theater; and the construction of new studios,
performance space and an orchestra rehearsal hall.
Boston Neighborhood Network Television
Adaptive Re-Use of the Egleston Square Power Station
Grant: $518,400
About the Facility: The former MBTA electrical power station in Egleston Square, Roxbury, will become the new headquarters of Boston Neighborhood Network Television as part of BNN's campaign to revitalize the neighborhood.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Boston Neighborhood Network Television $518,400 toward a building campaign to historically preserve and adapt the former Egleston Square MBTA power station into a cultural center.
Boston
Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Hall Renovations
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: Symphony Hall is the home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops. The hall was originally built in 1900 and is often studied as an acoustic model for new concert halls. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1999, Symphony Hall has had regular maintenance but no significant renovation of its interior spaces.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Boston Symphony Orchestra $675,000 to help with the extensive renovations planned for Symphony Hall's auditorium and other interior public spaces. The work will help to restore the historic appearance of the auditorium and improve audience accessibility.
The Bostonian Society
Old State House Stabilization
Grant: $254,400
About the Facility: Built in 1713, the Old State House is the oldest public building in Boston; a national, state and local landmark; and a major destination on the Freedom Trail.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded The Boston Society $254,400 to complete the structural
stabilization of the Old State House, including restoration and
sealing of its tower, repair and enhancement of its HVAC system
and accessibility improvements.
Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center
Theater Renovations
Grant: $45,664
About the Facility: Founded in 1978, the Cambridge
Multicultural Arts Center presents visual and performing arts
programs by ethnically and culturally diverse artists. Listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, the Center is located
in Bullfinch Square and consists of an ornate theater, two art
galleries and support spaces.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center $45,664 for renovations
and upgrades to the Center's theater that will include seating,
lighting, staging, and acoustical wall panels.
Central Square Theater, Cambridge
Building the Central Square Theater
Grant: $192,000
About the Facility: The Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater have partnered to develop a new theater arts center, the Central Square Theater, on a long-vacant parcel of MIT-owned land.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Central Square Theater $192,000 toward the completion of the new theater facility.
The
Children's Museum, Boston 
Museum Expansion, Renovation, and Sustainable Design
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: The Boston Children's Museum
is one of the country's oldest children's museums, and also one
of the largest. Located in a six-story converted warehouse on
Fort Point Channel, the Museum facility has a number of space
and layout challenges that their ongoing, extensive capital project
is addressing.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Boston
Children's Museum $675,000 to help in the construction of a 23,000-sq.-ft.
addition, the creation of a Waterfront Park, and the renovation
of the existing facility, which includes the incorporation of
sustainable design.
Citi
Performing Arts Center, Boston 
Infrastructure, Preservation and Safety Improvements
Grant: $632,000
About the Facility: Reaching 1 million people annually,
Citi Performing Arts Center operates the Wang Theatre, a national
historic landmark, and the Shubert Theatre, nicknamed the "little
princess" of the Boston Theatre District.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Citi Performing Arts Center $632,000 for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, preservation and safety improvements to the Wang and Shubert Theatres.
Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, Inc., Brookline 
Renovation and Restoration
Grant: $162,400
About the Facility: An independent, nonprofit movie house with a unique Art Deco structure, the two-story Coolidge Corner Theatre had operated since 1933 without an elevator or handicap accessible restrooms.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Coolidge Corner Theatre $162,400 to support accessibilty, expansion of the lobby and restoration of the original Art Deco staircase.
The Dance Complex, Inc., Cambridge
Accessibility Improvements
Grant: $112,500
About the Facility: The Dance Complex was created over 16
years ago to rescue the historic Odd Fellows Hall in Central Square
and secure it for the dance community. Today, it offers classes,
workshops and concerts in its six studios and black box performance
space, the Julie Ince Thompson Theater.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded The Dance Complex $112,500 for the reconfiguration
of the floor plan of the lobby and offices to make the entryway
and bathrooms fully accessible.
Emerson
College, Boston 
Construction of Paramount Center for the Arts
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: In 2005, Emerson College
began plans to convert the long-closed Paramount Theatre and the
neighboring Arcade into the Paramount Center for the Arts. The
Center will include a complex of theatres, studios, and residential
and academic facilities.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
awarded Emerson College $675,000 to assist in the renovation and
reconfiguration of the Paramount Theatre to create a new 560-seat
venue, which will be open for use by both students and outside
performing arts groups.
Gore Place Society, Inc., Waltham 
Fire Safety Improvements
Grant: $205,140
About the Facility: Gore Place is a historic site dedicated to the American statesman Christopher Gore, the 7th elected Governor of Massachusetts. Gore Place includes an 1806 Gore mansion, a 1793 Gore carriage house, and 45 acres of lawns, gardens and historic farmland. Up to now, a lack of a modern fire supression system has limited Gore Place from bringing in many traveling exhibitions.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Gore Place $205,140 to help with the installation
of a fire detection and suppression system in the 1806 Gore mansion.
This project will allow Gore Place to expand its exhibit offerings.
Huntington Theatre Company, Inc., Boston 
Boston University Theater Systems Replacement
Grant: $164,000
About the Facility: The Boston University Theatre serves as the mainstage for the Huntington Theatre Company, a regional theatre company that serves more than 150,000 audience members annually.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Huntington Theatre Company $164,000 to help replace
the theater's rigging systems and sound system.
Isabella
Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston 
Relighting the Gardner Museum
Grant: $274,000
About the Facility: First opened to the public
in 1903, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a snapshot of
19th century Boston. The three stories of galleries and the Venetian-style
courtyard house a unique collection of paintings, sculpture and
decorative arts from cultures spanning thirty centuries.
About the Project: In 2004, the Gardner Museum
began a multi-year initiative to upgrade the gallery lighting
throughout its palace building. The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded
$274,000 to help the Museum complete phases two and three of the
project, which includes new electrical and lighting systems resulting
in better preservation of the collection.
The
Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston 
The New ICA Building
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: The first art museum built in Boston
in 100 years, the new Institute of Contemporary Art building opened
in December of 2006. The uniquely cantilevered 65,000-sq.-ft.
facility sits on the edge of the Boston Harbor and houses gallery
space, performance space, an education center, design store, café
and support spaces.
About the Project: In 1999, the city of Boston selected the
ICA as the recipient of a site on the waterfront for a new museum.
The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $675,000 to help the ICA
complete construction and cover remaining costs of its new building.
Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, Cambridge 
Ensuring Access and Enhancing Safety
Grant: $291,900
About the Facility: Jose Mateo's Ballet Theatre operates a school, a professional performing company and community outreach programs in Harvard Square out of a church built in 1870 in the American Gothic Revival style. The Ballet Theatre moved into this National Historic Landmark in July 2000 and launched a three-phase renovation project.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Jose Mateo's Ballet Theatre $291,900 for a series of facility improvements designed to make the building ADA compliant and enhance personal and property safety.
Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Inc.
Improving the Audience Experience
Grant: $59,900
About the Facility: Each year, the Lyric Stage presents seven full-scale professional theater productions in its 240-seat, YWCA-owned facility. With its 40-year-old seats and 15-year-old lighting equipment falling into disrepair, the Lyric is seeking to improve the audience experience through infrastructure upgrades.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the Lyric Stage Company $59,900 for replacement of theater seating and renovation of lighting and sound systems to improve safety, function, and capacity.
Museum
of African American History, Boston 
African Meeting House Boston Restoration
Grant: $420,000
About the Facility: With four historic sites
and two Black Heritage Trails in Boston and Nantucket, the Museum
of African American History tells the story of organized black
communities from the Colonial Period through the 19th century.
One of these sites, the African Meeting House Boston, was built
in 1806 and served as host to major figures of the Abolitionist
Movement.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $420,000 for a restoration of the historically significant
African Meeting House Boston, including a new elevator for handicap
access, raising the ground floor, and improvements to the building's
exterior.
Museum
of Fine Arts, Boston 
Renovations and Addition of American Wing
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: First opened to the public in 1876, the
Museum of Fine Arts is one of the world's largest privately supported
encyclopedic art museums. The MFA displays approximately 450,000
works of art in 115 galleries of the three-story Museum building,
which also includes gift shops, restaurants, educational space
and gardens.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $675,000
for the expansion and renovation of the Museum, which will include
a new American Wing, new educational spaces, and expanded conservation
facilities.
Museum
of Science, Boston 
Planetarium and Omni Improvements
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: With more than 600 permanent
exhibits and an average of 1.6 million annual visitors, the Museum
of Science is one of the largest science centers in the world.
Built in 1950 with periodic additions through 1987, the facility
has endured wear and tear and is in need of improvements to align
it with the Museum's programmatic vision.
About the Project: In July 2007, the Museum
of Science launched its comprehensive four phase plan to renovate
and expand its building. The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded
$675,000 for projects in phase one, including renovations to the
Mugar Omni Theater's exterior and lobby, and infrastructure upgrades
to the Hayden Planetarium.
New England
Aquarium, Boston 
Exhibit Infrastructure Upgrades
Grant: $455,000
About the Facility: New England Aquarium presents, promotes
and protects the world of water through its 40,000 sq. ft. of
marine animal exhibits, IMAX Theatre, and education, research
and conservation facilities. Open to the public since 1969, the
Aquarium is faced with aging infrastructure in its marine animal
exhibits.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $455,000
to assist in the upgrade of the life support system for New England
Aquarium's largest and most popular exhibits: the Giant Ocean
Tank and the Penguin Tray. New filtration technology will be installed
that will improve water clarity, enhancing the visitor experience
and the safety of the living collection.
New
England Conservatory of Music, Boston 
Jordan Hall Renovations
Grant: $357,000
About the Facility: New England Conservatory was founded
in 1867, and today is a leading independent professional school
of music that offers over 600 free concerts annually out of Jordan
Hall. Built in 1903, Jordan Hall is a nationally-registered historical
landmark, and home not just to the New England Conservatory, but
to many local arts organizations.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $357,000
for New England Conservatory to replace parts of the climate control
system in Jordan Hall, allowing the hall to once again be used
year-round.
Puppet Showplace, Inc., Brookline
Fire Safety Improvements
Grant: $19,380
About the Facility: The Puppet Showplace Theatre presents twice-weekly shows to over 20,000 children annually from its Station Street theater, a National Historic Register facility. Constructed in 1890, the 100-seat theater requires a number of improvements in order to become a fully up-to-date venue.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $19,380 to help Puppet Showplace Theatre install
sound-proofing improvements and fire safety systems.
Somerville
Museum
Roof Replacement and Other Repairs
Grant: $104,500
About the Facility: Through historical exhibitions, concerts, visual art exhibitions and community activities, the Somerville Museum connects the people of Somerville to the city's past and present. Built between 1925 and 1933, the building still has its original slate roof.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the Somerville Museum $104,500 for repairs and improvements including slate roof replacement, snow guard replacement, gutter repair, interior windows, exterior painting, and a security system.
USS Constitution Museum Foundation, Inc., Boston 
ADA Compliance and Remodeling
Grant: $55,900
About the Facility: The USS Constitution Museum is housed in three historic buildings in Boston's Charlestown Navy Yard. Incorporated in 1972 as an interpretive complement to the naval vessel USS Constitution, the museum features historical collections, education programs and a research library.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the USS Constitution Museum Foundation $55,900 for improvements to the museum including renovations of the front doors, lobby, front desk, first floor bathrooms and theater to make them ADA compliant; and for the remodeling of the museum's store.
WGBH Educational Foundation, Brighton 
Digital Mural
Grant: $140,000
About the Facility: WGBH is one of the major
PBS production houses, reaching an estimated weekly audience of
34 million people with its programs. After more than four decades
at its previous home, it moved to a new facility in Brighton on
a visible street above the Massachusetts Turnpike.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded WGBH $140,000 for the construction of a large LED
screen and other descriptive panels on the exterior of WGBH's
new building in Brighton. The digital mural is seen by a weekly
average of 500,000 people and features a series of Boston landmarks
and events.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
The Boston Museum
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Master plan, market research, and site and structural studies in order to proceed to the design stage of the new museum
Dorchester
Community Center for Visual Art
Grant: $3,938
Scope of Project: Assessment of an existing building
for suitability as the new permanent location for DOTArt
Dorchester
Historical Society
Grant: $9,375
Scope of Project: Facilities analysis of historic
properties
Historic New England, Boston
Grant: $26,300
Scope of Project: In-depth feasibility study for heating and cooling system improvements to the Otis House Museum and two connected 19th century townhouses
Inquilinos Boricuas En Acción, Boston
Grant: $15,000
Scope of Project: Overall facilities master plan and strategic capital business plan for the Center for Latino Arts
Lesley
University, Cambridge
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: A 12-18 month community input process to inform the university's vision for the relocation of a campus building
Massachusetts
College of Art Foundation, Boston
Grant: $18,750
Scope of Project: Planning study for new facilities for MassArt's contemporary art museum, the Sandra and David Bakalar and Stephen D. Paine Galleries
Mayor's Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events, Boston
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Planning and feasibility studies for the Strand Theatre
Old
North Church, Boston
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Phase two of a master planning
process to assess existing building and new construction opportunities
Paul
Revere House, Boston
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Master plan, code and zoning
assessment, and a fundraising assessment
Riverside
Theatre Works, Hyde Park
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Market and capital campaign
study, site/facility study, and architectural and environmental
analysis of an identified potential location
Stoneham
Theatre Company
Grant: $14,300
Scope of Project: Market and design planning to assess the feasibility of creating a new performance and rehearsal space
Suzuki
School of Newton
Grant: $18,750
Scope of Project: Development of an operating
description and test the long-term feasibility of developing a
new cultural center
Wheelock College, Boston
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Feasibility study to investigate the renovation and expansion of the Wheelock Family Theatre facility
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Metrowest
CAPITAL GRANTS
Concord
Museum 
Museum Climate Control Improvements
Grant: $98,000
About the Facility:Concord Museum displays its collection of 17th, 18th and 19th century Americana objects in its three-story Museum building. Built in 1930 with a 1991 Graham Gund-designed addition, the facility is in need of several improvements to its existing climate control systems in order to maintain professional museum standards.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Concord Museum $98,000 to help complete a two-phase
project to upgrade the Museum building's climate control systems,
ensuring the long term preservation of the Museum's collection.
DeCordova
Museum and Sculpture Park, Lincoln 
New Collections Storage and Exhibition Preparation Facility
Grant: $477,000
About the Facility: The DeCordova Museum and
Sculpture Park exhibits modern and contemporary art on 35 acres
of woodlands and lawns. Although its sculpture park holds 75 artworks
at any given time, in addition to indoor exhibitions, the DeCordova
facilities do not currently include any on-site collections storage.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park $477,000
to help in the construction of a new museum wing to create a new
collections storage and exhibition preparation facility, allowing
for greater access to the museum's permanent collection.
Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, Concord 
Fire Safety Improvements
Grant: $96,000
About the Facility: Established in 1982, Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts offers concerts and education programs that focus on arts and the environment. The Center is housed in a former public high school building built in 1929 that includes several large classrooms, a 435-seat auditorium, a 49-seat performance space, a gallery, and 50 artist studios..
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $96,000 to help Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts
update its fire safety system, including the design and installation
of a sprinkler system
Massachusetts
Audubon Society, Lincoln 
Drumlin Farm Improvements
Grant: $184,000
About the Facility: Drumlin Farm is Mass Audubon's flagship
sanctuary. With over 230 acres of forests, fields and ponds, an
organic working farm and wildlife displays, Drumlin Farm sees
100,000 visitors annually. Mass Audubon initiated a master planning
process for the site in 1997, which revealed a number of structural
and interpretive challenges which are the focus of the current
project.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $184,000
to help Mass Audubon with infrastructure improvements and repairs
at Drumlin Farm, including work on barns, trails, restrooms, greenhouses,
and interpretive signage.
New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham 
Native Plant Center at Nasami Farm
Grant: $100,000
About the Facility: New England Wild Flower Society is the oldest plant conservation organization in the country. In addition to its Garden in the Woods living museum and botanical garden in Framingham, it owns Nasami Farm Nursery and Sanctuary in Whately, where its plant production operations are based.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $100,000 for the construction of a Native Plant Center on the Nasami Farm Nursery and Sanctuary that will include flexible work space, retail facilities and outdoor porches and gardens.
Thoreau Farm Trust, Concord 
Birthplace Restoration
Grant: $23,250
About the Facility: The Thoreau Farm Trust
was created with the goal of restoring and rehabiliting the Henry
David Thoreau birth house. Built around 1730, the house was moved
to its current location in the late 19th century, more recently
falling into disrepair. Today, the Trust's central goal is to
restore and rehabilitate this significant property and use it
as an educational center.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Thoreau Farm Trust $23,250 towards the restoration
of the Thoreau birth house to its original appearance. The project
will include a focus on sustainability, such as energy-efficient
materials and design elements, which themselves will be one focus
of the new educational programs.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Danforth
Museum of Art, Framingham
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Feasibility study to assess
the structural needs of the Museum facilities
The
Discovery Museums, Acton
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Master planning and programming
planning to guide the expansion to a new building
The
Walden Woods Project, Lincoln
Grant: $31,875
Scope of Project: Feasibility assessment to address
infrastructure improvements, maintenance, historic preservation,
and green issues
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Northeast
CAPITAL GRANTS
Gloucester
Maritime Heritage Center 
Marine Education Center Addition
Grant: $95,000
About the Facility: Dedicated to the preservation of Gloucester's
maritime industrial history, the Gloucester Maritime Heritage
Center occupies 39,000 sq. ft. overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
The Center features the oldest continuously operating marine railway
in the country, an aquarium and other maritime exhibits, a boatbuilding
shop, and a Marine Education Center.
About the Project: In response to audience demand, the Gloucester
Maritime Heritage Center plans to expand its exhibit offerings.
The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $95,000 to assist in adding
a new gallery, balcony and storage loft to the Marine Education
Center.
Lowell
Parks and Conservation Trust 
Spalding House Urban Environmental Education Center
Grant: $21,000
About the Facility: Built in 1761, the Spalding House overlooks
Pawtucket Falls and serves as one of the only remaining structures
that tell of Lowell's pre-industrial history. Lowell Parks and
Conservation Trust acquired the building ten years ago, when it
began a series of restorations to bring it into operation as a
museum and urban environmental education center.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $21,000
to help Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust complete the restoration
of the Spalding House's 44 windows.
City
of Lowell 
Auditorium Renovations
Grant: $564,000
About the Facility: The Lowell Memorial Auditorium is New
England's second largest theater, with 4,000 seats. Designed in
the late Renaissance Revival style, the Auditorium was constructed
in 1922 and today presents concerts and family entertainment,
in addition to hosting speakers and community events.
About the Project: The last major renovation of the Lowell
Memorial Auditorium took place in 1983. The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $564,000 to help with the stabilization, repair and
renovation of the Lowell Memorial Auditorium's exterior, as well
as repairs to the Auditorium's HVAC system.
Lynn
Museum
Renovating the Former Heritage Park Visitor Center
Grant: $283,000
About the Facility: Lynn Museum & Historical Society is dedicated
to fostering an appreciation and understanding of Lynn's history
and diverse cultural heritage. In 2006, the Museum relocated to
the former Lynn State Heritage Park Visitor Center, a 40,000-sq.-ft.
facility which requires major improvements to meet programming
and storage needs.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $283,000 for the substantial renovation of Lynn Museum's
new facility, including the complete reconfiguration of the first
floor to allow for more exhibit space, the creation of a new research
facility, and the expansion of storage space.
Marblehead Little Theatre
Expansion and Accessibility Improvements
Grant: $60,000
About the Facility: Marblehead Little Theatre
has offered performances, film screenings, and educational programming
since 2005 in its new Firehouse Theatre. The Firehouse includes
a 100-seat theater and two floors of currently unfinished space.
Marblehead Little Theatre has come across constraints in programming
because of multiple demands on its performance space.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $60,000 to help Marblehead Little Theatre install an elevator
for ADA compliance and to complete the renovation of the upper
two floors. This expanded configuration will allow the Theatre
to present several new shows per year.
The Trustees
of Reservations, Beverly 
Naumkeag Preservation Project
Grant: $200,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1891, The Trustees of Reservations
protects 96 Massachusetts landscapes and landmarks, which together
encompass over 23,000 acres. One of these is Naumkeag, a National
Historic Landmark, which sits on 46 acres in Stockbridge and includes
Gilded Age buildings and collections, as well as one of only three
Fletcher Steele-designed gardens open to the public.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded The Trustees of Reservations $200,000 for the preservation
project at Naumkeag residence to replace the main house and barn
roofs, restore parts of the gardens, and rehabilitate the ground-floor
kitchen to create a visitor's center.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
American
Textile History Museum, Lowell
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: For marketing planning associated
with a major renovation and expansion of the museum's core exhibition
area
Rockport
Chamber Music Festival
Grant: $22,500
Scope of Project: Marketing and development planning
related to the new Shalin Liu Performance Center
Salisbury Historical Society
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the future of the Salisbury Historical Musuem and its office space needs
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Southeast
CAPITAL GRANTS
Attleboro
Arts Museum
Emory Street Improvements
Grant: $39,000
About the Facility: The Attleboro Arts Museum features both
amateur and professional artists in its 6,000-sq.-ft. space in
downtown Attleboro. The museum relocated to the space in 1994
and is currently undergoing a three-phase series of improvements
to enhance the visibility and functionality of the museum.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Attleboro
Arts Museum $39,000 to assist with improvements to the Emory Street
entrance and the reconstruction of the rear walkway to update
the museum's exterior.
Cape Cod Repertory Theatre Co., Inc.
Crosby Cape House Renovations
Grant: $150,000
About the Facility: Cape Cod Repertory Theatre
presents dramatic and musical productions, many of them new and/or
rare works. The Cape Rep campus sits on Nickerson State Park and
includes the 200-seat Robert J. Delahunty Outdoor Theatre, a 135-seat
indoor theater, and the historic Crosby Cape House, which was
built and expanded between 1830 and 1889.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Cape Rep Theatre $150,000 for the renovation of the historic Crosby Cape House to serve as a multi-use facility with much-needed rehearsal space, meeting and reception rooms, and visiting artist housing.
The Cape Cod Museum of Art
Harry Holl Sculpture and Clay Studio
Grant: $38,220
About the Facility: The Cape Cod Museum of
Art welcomes over 33,000 annually to its exhibitions and educational
programs. The Museum campus includes 5,000 square feet of gallery
space, a sculpture garden, an auditorium, a research library and
the Weny Education Center.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Cape Museum of Fine Arts $38,220 to help with the
construction of the Harry Holl sculpture and clay studio in the
lower level of the Weny Education Center. This studio has utilized
a previously unfinished space and allowed the Museum to offer
new classes and expand its art therapy outreach program.
Falmouth Artists Guild, Inc.
Community Art Center Construction
Grant: $240,000
About the Facility: The Falmouth Artists Guild plans to construct a 4,000 square foot community art center, providing exhibition, education and other programs and services for Falmouth and the Upper Cape region.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $240,000 to support construction of the community art center.
Falmouth
Historical Society, Inc.
Renewing the Welcome at Museums on the Green
Grant: $39,600
About the Facility: The Falmouth Historical
Society owns and operates Museums on the Green, a two-acre complex
facing challenges with regard to deferred maintenance and visibility.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $39,600 for repair and restoration of the Julia Wood
House, a new ventilation system for its historic barn, and a more
prominent entrance to the visitors' center.
Fine Arts
Work Center in Provincetown 
Reconstruction of the Days Lumber Yard Building
Grant: $205,000
About the Facility: Operating since 1968, the Fine Arts Work
Center in Provincetown provides housing and stipends to emerging
artists, as well as summer workshops and a series of events which
are open to the public. The Center comprises a complex of exhibition,
living, studio, and gathering spaces, many of which have been
added to the original Days Lumber Yard Building (built in 1914).
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the
Fine Arts Work Center $205,000 for the final phase of a comprehensive
building renovation and expansion of the Center's historic site.
This phase involves rebuilding the public art gallery, increasing
handicap accessibility of the facility, and installing sprinkler
systems.
Heritage
Museums & Gardens, Sandwich 
Automobile Museum Improvements
Grant: $288,000
About the Facility: Heritage Museums & Gardens is comprised
of three museums and 100 acres of gardens and woodlands, which
together see 80,000 visitors per year. Built in the late 1960s,
the Museums house collections of classic American automobiles,
American folk art, and military history relics.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Heritage Museums & Gardens $288,000 to help address
fire, ADA and septic building code issues, as well as the expansion
of its Auto Museum, which is part of a larger project to renovate
all three museums and restore the gardens.
Lafayette-Durfee House Foundation, Inc., Fall River
Installing a Central Heating System
Grant: $7,500
About the Facility: Built by Judge and Legislator Thomas Durfee in 1747, the Lafayette-Durfee House has been preserved as a museum that reflects 18th century life. In addition to offering tours and educational programs, the museum runs a student docent program.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Lafayette-Durfee House Foundation $7,500 toward the installation of a central heating system, replacing fireplaces as the primary source of heat.
Lloyd
Center for Environmental Studies, South Dartmouth
Grounds Improvements
Grant: $10,000
About the Facility: Lloyd Center for the Environment
provides environmental education programs and conducts research
from its 55-acre property along the Slocum River. The property
includes wildlife exhibits, an observation tower, and five miles
of publicly accessible hiking trails.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $10,000 to help the Lloyd Center construct a safe stairway
and path to its main building. This project is part of a multi-year
effort to improve the flow of the site, making it more attractive
for visitors.
Narrows Center for the Arts, Inc., Fall River
Making the Narrows Center Accessible
Grant: $60,000
About the Facility: Occupying a 15,000 square foot space in a former mill building, the Narrows Center for the Arts features a 280-seat performing arts venue focusing on live music, an art gallery and artist studio space. The center is implementing a plan to make its third-floor space handicap accessible.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the Narrows Center for the Arts $60,000 for the installation of handicap restrooms and an elevator that will provide much-needed accessibility.
New
Bedford Whaling Museum 
Bourne Building Restoration
Grant: $617,000
About the Facility: With its collection of art, artifacts
and manuscripts, the New Bedford Whaling Musem is the largest
museum in America devoted to the history of the American whaling
industry and its greatest port. The Museum's 125,000-sq.-ft.,
nine-building complex includes exhibition and program space, a
250-seat theater, library and museum store.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $617,000
to help the New Bedford Whaling Museum complete phase two of a
plan to restore the historic Bourne Building, which houses the
Museum's central artifact, the Lagoda ship model.
Pilgrim
Hall Museum, Plymouth 
Accessibility Improvements
Grant: $339,000
About the Facility: Pilgrim Hall Museum is the oldest continuously
operating public museum in the nation, offering access to a unique
collection of 17th century Pilgrim artifacts. The Museum's Greek
Revival building includes exhibit space, a library wing and support
spaces. At 183 years old, the Museum building is in need of extensive
renovations in order to be universally accessible.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $339,000
for improvements which will enable full accessibility to Pilgrim
Hall Museum, including the construction of a new front entry,
elevator, restrooms, ramping and grading, as well as renovation
and expansion of the main lobby.
Plimoth
Plantation, Inc., Plymouth 
Infrastructure Improvements
Grant: $177,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1947, Plimoth Plantation is
a living history museum of 17th century New England. The museum
is comprised of 130 acres overlooking Cape Cod Bay and includes
a 1627 English Village and Wampanoag Homesite, as well as a separate
waterfront campus that houses a full-scale reproduction of the
Mayflower II merchant vessel.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $177,000
for Plimoth Plantation to convert from its current septic system
to connect with the town's sewer system. Plimoth Plantation is
limited by the current system--this project will enable the institution
to accomodate more visitors.
Plymouth
Guild for the Arts, Inc.
Acquiring and Renovating Russell Library
Grant: $370,000
About the Facility: Plymouth Guild for the Arts has provided
gallery shows, classes and art events for 40 years, often limited
by space for programming. This fall, the Guild plans to acquire
two buildings: the Russell Library, which was built in 1901 and
is on the National Registor of Historic Places, and the Lindens
annex.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $370,000
to assist Plymouth Guild for the Arts in the acquisition and renovation
of the Russell Library and The Lindens annex. The buildings will
provide a combined 6,400 sq. ft. of gallery, performance and gathering
space, open for use to local visual and performing arts groups.
South Shore Art Center, Inc., Cohasset
HVAC Replacement and Other Improvements
Grant: $36,000
About the Facility: The South Shore Art Center
(SSAC) is a 10,000 square foot structure housing teaching studios,
exhibition galleries, a gift shop and administrative offices.
The SSAC offers educational programs, exhibitions, annual arts
festival and community outreach programs.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the South Shore Art Center $36,000 toward capital projects including replacement of HVAC systems; new roof and skylight; new main gallery wall fabric; electrical upgrades; and new windows.
Thornton
W. Burgess Society, East Sandwich
Green Briar Facilities Expansion; Grounds Improvements
Grant: $39,000
About the Facility: The Thornton W. Burgess Society promotes
an appreciation for nature through its educational programming
at the historic Thornton W. Burgess Museum and the Green Briar
Nature Center, which are surrounded by nature trails and a wild
flower garden. In recent years visitorship has increased substantially,
creating traffic and safety concerns.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $39,000
to help with construction of a new building to house the Society's
education programs, and to provide space for events and collections
storage. The project also includes work on the grounds to improve
traffic flow and accessibility.
Town
of Falmouth
Redesign of the Falmouth Bandshell
Grant: $173,000
About the Facility: The Oscar Wolf Bandshell at Marina Park
in Falmouth is the home of the Falmouth Town Band's weekly outdoor
summer concerts, which are attended both by local residents and
tourists to the Falmouth area. Built in 1972, the structure has
a number of limitations, including that it is not fully accessible
and too small for many outside groups who would otherwise perform
there.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $173,000
to help the Town of Falmouth with the design and reconstruction
of the Falmouth Bandshell to bring it up to safety and accessibility
codes, increase the stage size, and add improved lighting systems.
Truro
Center for the Arts at Castle Hill, Truro 
Renovation of Snow's Farm Buildings
Grant: $83,000
About the Facility: Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill
offers a wide range of workshops in writing, visual art, and performing
arts to Cape tourists and local residents at Snow's Farm, a cluster
of historic buildings.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Truro
Center for the Arts at Castle Hill $83,000 for the restoration
and preservation of a former windmill, built in 1901, and a barn,
built in 1882. These improvements will allow the Center to respond
to audience demand for year-round services.
Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Inc., Wellfleet 
Construction of a New Theater
Grant: $600,000
About the Facility: The Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, an artist-run professional theater company, has expanded from a seasonal-only leased space to a 200-seat, fully accessible facility that will provide a stage for music, dance, film and spoken word, along with the company's full theatrical season.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater $600,000 for
the construction of a new, 200-seat performing arts and cultural
center.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Mansfield Music and Arts Society, Inc.
Grant: $13,875
Scope of Project: Feasibility assessment of a new home for MMAS
Fuller
Craft Museum, Brockton
Grant: $30,000
Scope of Project: Comprehensive facilities plan
to address Museum accessibility and other structural issues
Town of Barnstable, Hyannis
Grant: $18,800
Scope of Project: Feasibility analysis for a new performing arts center
The Yard, Inc., Chilmark
Grant: $4,500
Scope of Project: Feasibility study for a major renovation of the Patricia N. Nanon Theater and other Yard Facilities
Zeiterion
Theatre, New Bedford
Grant: $22,500
Scope of Project: Comprehensive facility needs
assessment and systems replacement plan; and a feasibility assessment
for expansion
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Western
CAPITAL GRANTS
Amherst
Cinema Arts Center, Inc. 
Acquiring Amherst Cinema
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: Amherst Cinema Arts Center is a three-theater
facility that is dedicated to presenting independent and documentary
cinema. The theaters seat 186, 46 and 46, and are each equipped
for both 35mm and digital projection.
About the Project: The Amherst Cinema Arts Center was built
in downtown Amherst in 2006 to the organization's specifications.
The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $675,000 to assist Amherst
Cinema in the acquisition of the complex of theaters.
Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield
Union Street Theatre Redevelopment
Grant: $390,000
About the Facility: The Union Street Theatre was built in 1912 as a vaudeville theater, but was also used as a movie house and performance hall before falling into disrepair. In 2005, after eleven years of performing in rented facilities, the Barrington Stage Company purchased the theatre and launched a series of major renovations.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Barrington Stage Company $390,000 for the renovation of the once-empty Union Street Theatre into a state-of-the-art performance facility, which includes improvements to the mezannine, dressing rooms and lobby.
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Library Renovations
Grant: $84,000
About the Facility: The Berkshire Athenaeum operates as Pittsfield's
public library and has over 175,000 items in its collection, some
of which date back to the 1790s. The building has not had any
major renovations since its construction in 1975.
About the Project: The Berkshire Athenaeum facility has become
outdated and faces security, space, and accessiblity challenges.
The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $84,000 to help the Berkshire
Athaneum enhance HVAC systems and security measures, and other
renovations.
Berkshire
Historical Society, Pittsfield
Acquiring an Historic Barn
Grant: $25,800
About the Facility: Arrowhead, a 44-acre property that includes the home and farm of author Herman Melville, is operated as a museum by the Berkshire Historical Society. As the museum's collection has grown, the Society has faced challenges finding appropriate storage and archival space.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $25,800 for the Berkshire Historical Society to disassemble
a mid-nineteenth century barn, move it to the Arrowhead property,
and reassemble it. The new barn will dramatically increase the
Society's collection storage space and free up more space for
interpretation.
The
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield 
Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation; HVAC Improvements
Grant: $670,000
About the Facility: Located in the heart of downtown Pittsfield,
the Berkshire Museum displays its fine art, history and natural
science collections in a two-story Italian Renaissance revival
building. Built in 1903, much of the building currently lacks
adequate air conditioning systems for storing collections.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $670,000
to assist in phase two of Berkshire Museum's capital project.
A museum-wide climate control system will be installed, which
will reclaim formerly unsuitable space for the construction of
the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation exhibit.
Berkshire
Theatre Festival, Stockbridge
Grounds and Building Upgrades
Grant: $160,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1928, Berkshire Theatre Festival is one of the oldest regional theaters in the nation. The 12-acre BTF campus includes two theaters: the 122-seat Unicorn Theatre and the 414-seat Main Stage, which was built in 1888 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Berkshire Theatre Festival $160,000 for the renovation, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to the Main Campus facilities and grounds. The project will address safety and maintenance issues and improve the flow of the campus.
Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown
Stone Hill Center
Grant: $353,000
About the Facility: The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, located on a 140-acre campus in the Berkshires, is both an art museum and a center for research and higher education. In the spring of 2006 the Clark began construction of Stone Hill Center, which will house the Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $353,000 for the construction of the Stone Hill Center, which will provide new classroom and exhibition space and house an art conservation facility, allowing the Clark to expand the programming it offers to the public.
Double
Edge Theatre, Ashfield 
Farm Center Facilities Improvements
Grant: $67,000
About the Facility: Double Edge Theatre presents original
theater performances and provides educational programs at its
home, the International Farm Center for Performance and Collaboration.
"The Farm" includes two performance spaces, artist housing, and
guest and residency facilities.
About the Project: As Double Edge Theatre has grown in recent
years, it has met a number of infrastructure challenges, including
limited septic capacity. The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded
$67,000 to help Double Edge build a new septic system and upgrade
its bathroom facilities.
Jacob's
Pillow Dance Festival, Becket 
Repairs to Ted Shawn Theatre and Grounds
Grant: $104,000
About the Facility: The only dance institution to be named
a National Historic Landmark, Jacob's Pillow welcomes over 80,000
visitors annually to its 10-week Festival. The site comprises
163 acres with 31 buildings, including three unique stages, three
dance studios, exhibition spaces, restaurants, gardens, and woodlands.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Jacob's
Pillow $104,000 to make structural repairs to the Ted Shawn Theatre,
the centerpiece of the campus, and for expanding the parking areas.
The
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington
Updating the Mahaiwe Theatre
Grant: $147,000
About the Facility: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents
music, dance, theater and film in a 101-year-old, 700-seat theater.
Most of the theater has been newly restored with the expertise
of architect Hugh Hardy, but additional improvements need to be
made to bring the facility up to 21st century standards for a
theatrical venue.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $147,000 to help Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center complete improvements to the understage and backstage areas of the theater, including ventilation of the understage areas and improving the infrastructure for sound and lighting equipment.
Massachusetts Museum
of Contemporary Art, North Adams 
Gallery Renovation
Grant: $429,000
About the Facility: MASS MoCA features contemporary visual
and performing arts on its 16-acre campus, which houses a complex
of twenty-seven 19th century mill buildings. In 1995, MASS MoCA
acquired the property and began renovations of over 600,000 sq
ft of the facility to serve as galleries, theaters, a cafe, support
spaces and commercial space.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $429,000
to help MASS MoCA renovate a 27,000 square-foot mill building,
creating a new gallery to house 50 wall drawings by artist Sol
LeWitt. The central location of the new space will better connect
the campus, improving visitor circulation.
The
National Yiddish Book Center, Amherst 
Book Center Renovations and Expansion
Grant: $352,000
About the Facility: The National Yiddish Book Center, a secular
nonprofit, celebrates Yiddish literature and modern Yiddish culture
through its exhibitions, galleries, libraries, theater and bookstore.
In response to increasing demand for space and programming, the
Center initiated plans last year to almost double its existing
27,000-sq.-ft. facility.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $352,000
for the renovation of the National Yiddish Book Center's existing
space and the expansion of the current building to create a book
repository, a 275-seat performance hall, galleries, a Yiddish
Education Center, and offices.
The Norman
Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge 
Rebuilding the Bluestone Terrace
Grant: $22,000
About the Facility: The Norman Rockwell Museum cares for
the world's most comprehensive collection of works by its namesake
artist (600 paintings and drawings, 150,000 other objects). The
main Museum is a 1993 building modeled on a classic New England
Town Hall concept; the campus also includes Norman Rockwell's
last studio and two 1900s carriage houses.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $22,000
to assist Norman Rockwell Museum in rebuilding the blue stone
terrace at the Museum's main entrance. The terrace has endured
damage from winter freezes; this project will once again make
it accessible and safe for visitors.
Northampton Academy of Music Theatre, Inc. 
Marquee Renovation
Grant: $34,800
About the Facility: The Academy of Music Theatre
in Northampton, built in 1890, is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. The theater is one of the oldest of its kind
in the nation, and today offers performing arts and film presentations.
In 2002 the former marquee was removed to renovate the exterior
of the theater, which has displayed temporary signage ever since.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded the Northampton Academy of Music Theatre $34,800
for the design, fabrication, and installation of historically
inspired marquee signage and other sign elements which will maximize
the theater's visibility.
Nuestras Raices, Inc., Holyoke
Completing a Cultural Education Center
Grant: $256,500
About the Facility: Nuestras Raices Farms consists of four acres of land just outside the urban center of Holyoke and on the banks of the Connecticut River. Over the past two years, Nuestras Raices has been transforming the site into a vibrant cultural education center.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Nuestras Raices $256,500 for the rebuilding of an historic barn; construction of a retail plaza, petting zoo, and cultural event area; and grounds infrastructure improvements.
Shakespeare
& Company, Lenox
Center for Arts and Humanities
Grant: $395,000
About the Facility: One of the largest Shakespeare performance
centers in the country, Shakespeare & Co. sits on a 30-acre site
that once housed a boarding school. Since 2000, Shakespeare &
Co. has converted buildings on the site, creating the 428-seat
Founders' Theatre, the 250-seat outdoor Rose Footprint Theatre,
housing facilities, classroom space and support spaces.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Shakespeare
& Co. $395,000 to support the renovation of a former sports center
on campus, converting it into the Center for Arts and Humanities,
which will include a multi-use 146-seat theater, rehearsal studios,
classrooms and improved production space.
Springfield
Museums
New Museum of Springfield History
Grant: $675,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1857, Springfield Museums
comprises four museums dedicated to fine art, science, and regional
history. One of these, the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum,
has a collection that has outgrown its current facility.
About the Project: In the spring of 2006, Springfield Museums
purchased an adjacent building to house a new Museum of Springfield
History. The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $675,000 for the
renovation of the new building, which will present exhibits and
educational programs that interpret Springfield history in the
larger context of American history.
City
of Springfield
Renovations to Springfield Symphony Hall
Grant: $478,000
About the Facility: Springfield Symphony Hall is home to
the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and also hosts the Symphony
Hall Broadway Series, the Springfield Public Forum, and the Berkshire
Ballet. Built in 1913, the 2,600-seat hall is in need of extensive
improvements to bring it up to contemporary standards for a performance
venue.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $478,000
to the City of Springfield for renovations to Symphony Hall, including
restoration of the 105 original exterior windows, installation
of a new boiler system, and replacement of stage lighting.
Ventfort Hall Association, Inc., Lenox
Restoration and Renovation
Grant: $120,000
About the Facility: The Ventfort Hall Mansion is a 28,000 square-foot brick house that sits on 11.7 acres, and one of the few remaining Gilded Age "cottages" in the Berkshires of more than 75 built in the late 1800s. The mansion was slated for demolition in 1997, when Ventfort Hall Association purchased it and began work to repair the extensive damage brought on by years of neglect.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $120,000 to help with the stabilization and restoration
of the historic Ventfort Hall mansion's deteriorating exterior
west brick wall and its second floor. This project will allow
the Ventfort Hall Association to open up more of the mansion to
visitors for public programming.
Wistariahurst
Museum, Holyoke 
Carriage House Project
Grant: $414,000
About the Facility: Listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, Wistariahurst Museum tells the history of the City of
Holyoke. The 3-acre site was established by the Skinner family
in 1874 and includes a 26-room main house built in the Victorian
Second Empire style, formal gardens, and an 1880 carriage house.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Wistariahurst
Museum $414,000 for construction that will rehabilitate and make
the Wistariahurst Carriage House accessible for increased use,
including structural work on the interior to create an exhibit
space, meeting space, and climate-controlled archives.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Available
Potential Enterprises, Northampton
Grant: $18,750
Scope of Project: Feasibility study around developing
an existing building into an arts center
The
Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst
Grant: $28,500
Scope of Project: Historic structures report
and cultural landscape report for the Museum's three-acre property
The
Guthrie Center, Great Barrington
Grant: $27,750
Scope of Project: Facilities and marketing planning
associated with the expansion of the Guthrie Center's usage into
all four seasons
Hancock
Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: A 10-year master plan and a
fundraising feasibility study
Jacob's
Pillow Dance Festival, Becket
Grant: $33,750
Scope of Project: Master plan for the campus
to address capital needs
Topia Arts Center, Adams
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: Marketing and strategic planning, and a systems replacement plan to redevelop an historic cultural site into a new arts center
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