2009 Funded Projects
See 2008 Funded Projects
Central
CAPITAL GRANTS
American Antiquarian Society, Worcester
Regent Street House Renovation
Grant: $293,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1812, American Antiquarian Society is a national research library that makes its comprehensive collection of early Americana accessible to the general public as well as to researchers, serving 9,000 visitors annually. The facilities include the 1910 Antiquarian Hall, the Goddard Daniels House, and offices at its Regent Street house.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded the American Antiquarian Society $293,000 to renovate
and reconfigure the Regent Street residence that is currently
used as administrative offices to provide housing for visiting
fellows. As part of the project, a historic porch that was previously
removed will be replaced, restoring the character of the building.
Hanover
Theatre for the Performing Arts
Wurlitzer Organ Installation
Grant: $62,000
About the Facility: Originally built in 1904
to house the Poli Palace Theatre, the 66,000-square-foot space
was restored to become the Hanover Theatre, which opened in 2008
as a state-of-the-art performing arts center. The organization
was recently offered the opportunity to receive and install an
historic Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which includes 34 sets of pipes
put together from more than 20 discarded theater organs.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Hanover Theatre $62,000 for renovations including
the installation of a lift to accommodate additional top-tier
seating, restoration of a private reception space, and installation
of a Wurlitzer organ.
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge
Maintenance and Repairs
Grant: $135,000
About the Facility: Old Sturbridge Village is a living history and resource center that interprets the first 50 years of the new nation, from 1790 to 1840. The Village is situated on more than 200 acres and consists of more than 100 buildings and 59 historic structures, some of which require urgent maintenance and repairs.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Old Sturbridge Village $135,000 to address maintenance of several buildings throughout the Village, including roof repairs, structural repairs, siding, painting, and prep work.
ValleyCAST!,
Whitinsville
Theater and Museum Improvements
Grant: $160,000
About the Facility: ValleyCAST! operates out
of the historic Whitin Mill campus, which includes a theater,
meeting space, and retail space; the historic Brick Mill, which
houses galleries and affordable housing; and the Museum of Industrial
Heritage. While the primary construction was complete in 2006,
the theater and museum require a number of improvements in order
to be professionally equipped venues.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded ValleyCAST! $160,000 for renovations to Whitin Mill site
buildings including theater lighting improvements, installation
of assistive listening equipment, and museum climate control improvements
to protect displays.
Worcester Art Museum
Accessibility Improvements
Grant: $310,000
About the Facility: The second largest art museum
in New England, the Worcester Art Museum complex covers one city
block and includes the original 1898 building and several subsequent
additions from the past century. Accessibility improvements will
focus on the Higgins Education Wing, which covers 25% of the total
square footage and includes studios, classrooms, storage, exhibition
and office space.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $310,000 to the Worcester Art Museum for renovation of
an existing studio into a 130-seat public lecture hall, construction
of a new barrier-free entrance, and upgrades to the existing Museum
Cafe.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
EcoTarium, Worcester
Grant: $18,750
Scope of Project: Planning for and modeling on-site sustainable energy options
SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT PLAN GRANTS
American
Antiquarian Society, Worcester
Grant: $6,000
EcoTarium, Worcester
Grant: $6,000
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Greater Boston
CAPITAL GRANTS
Agassiz Baldwin Community, a Cambridge Corporation, Cambridge
Maud Morgan Visual Arts Center
Grant: $400,000
About the Facility: Agassiz Baldwin Community
(ABC) is dedicated to the cultural vitality of the local community,
and also reaches thousands annually through exhibitions at its
Sacramento Street Gallery. ABC's main building is a recently-restored
early Victorian house, which is too small to accommodate the visual
arts programming the organization would like to provide.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded Agassiz Baldwin Community $400,000 for the construction
the Maud Morgan Visual Arts Center. The project will transform
a dilapidated carriage house behind ABC's main building into exhibition
and reception space, as well as four visual art studios for students
and practicing artists.
American Repertory
Theater, Cambridge
Box Office and Lighting Improvements
Grant: $169,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1979, the American
Repertory Theater works to expand the boundaries of theater, and
presents its programs at the 550-seat Loeb Drama Center (built
in 1960) and the flexible 300-seat OBERON (opened as the Zero
Arrow Theater in 2005). The addition of a second venue has increased
the need for A.R.T. to both coordinate its box office efforts
and update equipment in the original theater.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded American Repertory Theater $169,000 for the purchase of
a new ticketing system and the reconfiguration of existing box
office space, and for upgrades of lighting and projection equipment
at the Loeb Drama Center.
Boston Center for the Arts, Inc.
Repairs and Renovations
Grant: $386,000
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. The Center has completed four
years of research on prioritizing the capital needs of its expansive
facilities.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded the Boston Center for the Arts $386,000 for repairs
to the Cyclorama and Tremont Estates Building, including electrical
system updates, stairway and elevator upgrades, roof repair, and
updates to the sprinkler system.
Boston University Concert Hall
Accessibility and Acoustics Improvements
Grant: $400,000
About the Facility: The Concert Hall at Boston
University has a unique history: built in 1919, the hall was designed
originally to house an automobile showroom, which was the purpose
it served until becoming vacant in the 1940s. The university acquired
the building in the 1950s and converted it into the concert hall
that stands today; however, the building still faces challenges
with acoustics and accessibility.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded Boston University $400,000 for renovations to its concert
hall, including a raised roof to improve acoustics, a new handicapped
seating area, a new HVAC system, and other interior renovation
work.
Central Square Theater, Cambridge
Exterior Improvements
Grant: $68,000
About the Facility: Central Square Theater
is the new permanent venue for two Cambridge theater companies,
the Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater. Although
the black-box theater and rehearsal spaces are state-of-the-art
in their design and fit-out, the facility is set back from the
street, creating challenges to the theater's goal of increasing
its visibility.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $68,000 for exterior improvements to Central Square
Theater, including new signage and exterior courtyard work to
increase the theater's presence on Massachusetts Ave. The grant
will also go toward the installation of specialized equipment
such as listening devices, audio description devices, and a captioning
system.
Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, Inc., Brookline 
Theater Ceiling Restoration
Grant: $36,000
About the Facility: Coolidge Corner Theatre
is housed in a 1906 Romanesque revival structure, formally used
as a church and renovated into an Art Deco theater. After being
put up for sale in 1988 in the face of significant multiplex competition,
the facility was saved by a grassroots community campaign and
a benefactor who purchased the building and established the nonprofit
organization to operate this movie house.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $36,000 to the Coolidge Corner Theatre for restoration
of the theater's ceiling, including permanent repair of current
roof leaks, replacement of compromised plaster, mural restoration,
vent removal, and eradication of smoke stains.
Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge
Fogg Renovations
Grant: $359,000
About the Facility: The Harvard Art Museum consists of four
research centers and three museums dedicated to Western European,
Indian, and ancient Islamic and Asian art. Opened in 1927, Harvard
Art Museum's Fogg building is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places and requires major renovations to address structural,
space, and accessibility deficiencies.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $359,000 for the abatement phase of the Harvard Art Museums'
Fogg building renovation and expansion project. The project will
renovate and preserve its Renaissance-inspired courtyard, which
serves as the museum's physical and programmatic center.
Longy School of Music, Cambridge
Edward Pickman Concert Hall
Grant: $312,000
About the Facility: The Longy School is housed
in the Zabriskie House (1889), which was originally the home of
railroad magnate Edwin Hale Abott and contains several practice
rooms, early music rehearsal facilities, a large Eurhythmics studio,
and an electronic composition studio. The 350-seat Edward Pickman
Concert Hall was added to the facility in 1970 and now hosts more
than 250 musical performances a year.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $312,000 to the Longy School of Music for improvements to acoustics, lighting, and projection systems in Edward Pickman Concert Hall, and restoration of wood flooring and doorways in Zabriskie House.
Friends
of Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge
Story Chapel Renovation
Grant: $132,000
About the Facility: A National Historic Landmark, Mt. Auburn Cemetery was founded in 1831 and was the first large-scale designed public space in the United States. The new Visitors Center is located in Story Chapel, which was designed by Willard Sears and built in 1898.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $132,000 to the Friends of the Mt. Auburn Cemetery for construction of a new entrance to the Visitors Center in Story Chapel, to improve energy efficiency and accessibility.
Mudflat Pottery School, Somerville 
Broadway Theatre Renovation
Grant: $300,000
About the Facility: Originally built in 1915, the Broadway Theatre was last used as a neighborhood theater in 1982, before being converted to warehouse space. The building requires extensive renovations before it can be occupied by Mudflat, whose programming, accessibility, and public space needs have outgrown its current home.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $300,000 to the Mudflat Pottery School for renovation of the Broadway Theatre in East Somerville to become Mudflat's new home, including rehabilitation of 16,000 square feet for classrooms, artists' studios, kiln room, meeting space, work areas, and office space, two retail spaces, a new mezzanine, replacement of mechanical systems, and façade repair.
Museum
of Fine Arts, Boston 
New Group Entrance
Grant: $400,000
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 museum 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 the Museum of Fine Arts $400,000 for improvements
to the west entrance on Museum Road to create a dedicated Group
Entrance with parking for buses, improved driveways for enhanced
accessibility, a new lobby, and fully accessible bathrooms.
New Art Center, Newton
Boiler Replacement
Grant: $50,000
About the Facility: Newton Art Center's building
was constructed in 1873 as a Universalist Church, and includes
two exhibition spaces, six classrooms, two ceramic studios, and
support spaces. Because of its age, the building is in need of
maintenance and energy efficiency measures.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $50,000 to New Art Center for the removal and replacement of an existing 46-year-old boiler encased in asbestos with two new boilers, converting from oil to gas heat.
New Repertory Theatre, Watertown
Theater Improvements
Grant: $26,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1984, New Repertory
Theatre is the resident professional theater company at the Arsenal
Center for the Arts. The company welcomes nearly 40,000 people
annually to its performances in the 380-seat Charles Mosesian
and 90-seat Black Box theaters. Although the performance spaces
themselves are newly built, up to now they have been equipped
with outdated audio and lighting systems, causing many technical
issues.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded New
Repertory Theatre $26,000 for updates to the lighting and audio
systems in the Mosesian and Black Box theaters.
Newton Historical Society, Newton
Durant-Kenrick House Restoration
Grant: $218,000
About the Facility: Currently based at the Jackson
Homestead, the Newton Historical Society will acquire the Durant-Kenrick
House (1732), one of only a few pre-Revolutionary houses remaining
in Newton. Expansion to this property will allow the organization
to address space issues at its headquarters and expand its educational
programming.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $218,800 to the Newton Historical Society for preservation
and restoration of the 1732 Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds,
including the addition of an educational wing with classroom/workshop
space and improvements to parking, area landscaping, and walkways.
Paul Revere House, Boston
5/6 Lanthrop Place
Grant: $362,500
About the Facility: The Paul Revere Memorial
Association operates two National Landmarks on its half-acre historic
complex: the Paul Revere House and the Hichborn House. 5/6 Lathrop
Place is a two-family home adjoining the property that will become
an education and visitor orientation center, part of the organization's
facilities master plan.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $362,500 to the Paul Revere House for phase one construction
and repairs to stabilize Lathrop Place, which will be renovated
for use as a 3,600-square-foot education and visitors center.
Roxbury
Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall, Boston
Box Office Reconfiguration
Grant: $90,000
About the Facility: Originally a center for
Irish cultural and community life and later the home for the Opportunities
Industrialization Center, Hibernian Hall eventually fell into
disrepair until it was purchased and renovated by ACT Roxbury
in 2000. The 27,000 -square-foot space is now home to the Roxbury
Film Festival, as well as poetry, theater, dance, and open studios
events.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $90,000 for renovations to Hibernian Hall to create a new box office and reconfigure office space. Renovations will refit an existing storefront space, including installation of new finishes, partition relocation, and minor electrical work.
Spontaneous Celebrations, Boston
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Grant: $28,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1994, Spontaneous
Celebrations is a community arts and cultural center that welcomes
15,000 annually to its cultural events and festivals. The organization's
home is a 6,400-square-foot structure built in 1860 that includes
a large community room, theater, and art studio.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Spontaneous Celebrations $28,000 for HVAC system improvements, window replacement, and insulation of the building to improve energy efficiency and make the building more comfortable for staff and visitors year-round.
Springstep, Medford
Staging and HVAC Improvements
Grant: $209,000
About the Facility: Springstep celebrates dance
and music traditions from cultures around the world in its custom-built
22,000-square-foot facility, which includes three studios, a performance
hall, an atrium/gallery space, and offices. While the facility
was built in 2003, Springstep has realized limitations for programming
possibilities in the space, as well as an inadequate HVAC system.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Springstep $209,000 for repairs including upgrades to staging, integrated lighting and sound systems, HVAC system improvements, and general facility maintenance.
The
Strand Theatre, Boston
Renovations to the Strand Theatre
Grant: $234,000
About the Facility: Built in 1918 as a movie
and vaudeville house, the Strand Theatre is one of the few remaining
neighborhood theaters in Boston. The newly refurbished theater
re-opened its doors in October 2008 after renovations to the stage
floor, orchestra, and major renovations to the backstage and utilities
spaces.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $234,000 to the City of Boston for renovations to the Strand Theatre including installation of an internal communication system, video monitoring system, and refurbishment of restrooms. This project was informed by a CFF-funded feasibility study.
TheatreZone, Inc., Chelsea
Chelsea Theatre Works
Grant: $270,000
About the Facility: Known originally as the 1906 Old Post Office Building, TheatreZone's Chelsea Theatre Works houses a fully-equipped theater, class and rehearsal studios, and a lobby gallery. Renovations are needed to make this 100-year-old facility code compliant and fully accessible.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $270,000 to TheatreZone for construction of a new performing arts center, housing a 100-seat theater, lobby/gallery, class and rehearsal studios, and support spaces.
Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, Boston
Upgrades and Renovations
Grant: $400,000
About the Facility: The Villa Victoria Center
for the Arts at Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) is dedicated
to promoting contemporary and traditional Latino art, including
dance, music, poetry, theater, and visual art. The center includes
the 450-seat Jorge Hernandez performance hall, a gallery, classrooms,
and an outdoor amphitheater. IBA recently completed strategic
capital business planning in preparation
for this project.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded IBA $400,000 for renovations at the Villa Victoria Center for the Arts that include accessibility improvements, HVAC upgrades, installation of a new sprinkler system, and upgrades for the electrical, sound, and lighting systems.
Zumix, Inc., Boston
The Firehouse
Grant: $200,000
About the Facility: For more than 17 years,
Zumix has been empowering youth through music, and welcomes 6,000
annually to its programming, concerts, and events. As Zumix has
grown, it has found its current 3,400-square-foot space too small
to accommodate its current programming, or its two-year waiting
list.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded Zumix $200,000 for renovation of an existing 9,000-square-foot
East Boston firehouse into Zumix's new home. The Firehouse will
feature performance space, a live-sound-mixing and video-projection
station, recording studio, classrooms, and support space.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Artists for Humanity, Boston
Grant: $38,000
Scope of Project: For a feasibility study related to the EpiCenter, a youth arts facility
The Bostonian Society, Boston
Grant: $38,000
Scope of Project: Series of feasibility studies for adaptations to the Old State House
Center
for Arts at the Armory, Somerville
Grant: $12,950
Scope of Project: For a strategic business and
marketing plan to ensure long-term viability
Charlestown Working Theater, Boston
Grant: $9,000
Scope of Project: Feasibility study to explore options for expanding the Charlestown Working Theater lobby
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Boston
Grant: $15,000
Scope of Project: Feasibility study to research the benefits of purchasing an integrated staging system
Massachusetts College of Art Foundation, Boston
Grant: $15,000
Scope of Project: Market study to analyze potential future audiences and economic impact of two galleries
Suzuki School of Newton, Inc., Auburndale
Grant: $27,000
Scope of Project: For architectural and fundraising feasibility study for the construction of a mid-size community arts center
SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT PLAN GRANTS
The
Boston Conservatory
Grant: $5,000
Dante Alighieri Cultural Society, Cambridge
Grant: $4,000
New Art Center in Newton
Grant: $4,000
Spontaneous Celebrations, Boston
Grant: $5,000
Springstep, Medford
Grant: $5,000
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Metrowest
CAPITAL GRANTS
Amazing Things Arts Center, Framingham
Firehouse Adaptive Reuse
Grant: $218,000
About the Facility: Amazing Things Arts Center presents 300-plus performing arts events per year, as well as classes and workshops, to an annual audience of 20,000. Shortly after its founding in 2004, Amazing Things realized that its one-room storefront was not only too small to accommodate growing demand for its performing arts programs and classes, but also lacked space to showcase local visual artists.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded
Amazing Things Arts Center $218,000 for the second phase of a
project to restore and adapt a firehouse in downtown Framingham
into a music, theater, art, and family events center. The Center's
new home will include a professionally-equipped theater with more
seats, classroom space, and exhibition space.
Concord Art Association, Concord
Art Center Expansion
Grant: $170,000
About the Facility:Open since 1917, the Concord Art Association welcomes 7,000 visitors annually to its art museum and galleries in the historic John Ball House, which was built in 1760 and served as a stop on the Underground Railway. Because of the building's small size, the Association is currently unable to meet increasing demands for classes and exhibits, as well as office space.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Concord Art Association $170,000 for the major renovation of a wing (added in 1810) of the John Ball House. The project includes adding an elevator to increase accessibility, as well as a new classroom, gallery, collections storage and new mechanical systems.
Discovery Museums, Acton
Increasing Capacity
Grant: $172,000
About the Facility: The Discovery Museums is located on a 4.5-acre campus that includes two museum buildings, the Discovery Classroom, administrative and meeting space, and several storage facilities. While the number of students served by off-campus outreach programming has more than doubled in the last 8 years, current capacity of the main Acton campus is insufficient to allow for growth in programming and attendance.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $172,000 to The Discovery Museums for exterior improvements
including new entrance and signage, new pedestrian walkways, and
reconfiguration of the existing parking facility. This capital
project is informed by a campus master plan.
Fiddlehead Theatre Company, Norwood
Lighting Improvements
Grant: $31,000
About the Facility: Since 1994, Fiddlehead Theatre has presented
theater and education programs to an annual audience of 20,000.
The Theatre presents its works in the 1927 Norwood Theater which,
due to its age, requires improvements to bring it up-to-date and
make it fully accessible.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded Fiddlehead Theatre $31,000 to create handicap accessible
bathrooms, and to add modern front-of-house lighting.
Massachusetts
Audubon Society, Lincoln 
Joppa Flats Education Center
Grant: $145,000
About the Facility: Opened in March 2003, the
Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary provides a
venue for eco tourists and serious birders, and includes green
elements such as 60 solar roof panels, which supply the equivalent
of as much as 40 percent of its electricity needs. After five
years in the new building, additional classroom space is needed
to accommodate programming for young children, families, and school
groups.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $145,000 to the Massachusetts Audubon Society for
the renovation of existing unfinished second-floor space at Joppa
Flats Education Center as a dedicated Children and Family classroom
to support expanded children's programming.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT
Massachusetts Air and Space Museum, Bedford
Grant: $8,000
Scope of Project: For a study to develop a facility
concept for a new air and space museum
New England Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin
Grant: $18,750
Scope of Project: For a regional market study to inform a proposed performing arts center
SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT PLAN GRANT
Fiddlehead Theatre Company, Norwood
Grant: $5,000
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Northeast
CAPITAL GRANTS
Cape Ann Historical Association, Gloucester
Collection Storage Improvements
Grant: $75,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1837, the Cape
Ann Historical Association operates the Cape Ann Museum to collect
and preserve significant information and artifacts relating to
Cape Ann history and art. Significant facility expansion in the
1980s and 1990s has allowed for considerable growth of the collection;
however this also means that the museum has outgrown its current
storage capacity.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $75,000 to the Cape Ann Historical Association for improvements to the main storage space for their collection, including the installation of a high-density storage system to eliminate unused space and increase storage capacity.
Essex Art Center, Inc., Lawrence
Renovation and Repairs
Grant: $95,000
About the Facility: Essex Art Center is a multi-purpose art center housed in an historic mill building constructed in 1915. Renovations are required to improve energy efficiency and accessibility, and to accommodate expanded programming.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $95,000 to Essex Art Center for maintenance and renovation
including window replacement, creation of a vestibule area and
new classrooms, office and gallery space relocation, staircase
replacement, ceiling repair, HVAC improvements, and new storage
space.
Longyear Museum, Lynn
Mary Baker Eddy House Restoration
Grant: $395,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1926, Longyear
Museum includes a 30,000-square-foot museum facility, as well
as eight historic homes where Mary Baker Eddy lived and worked.
The museum's most recently acquired home is in Lynn; built in
1871 and purchased in 2006, the building requires maintenance
and accessibility improvements.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Longyear Museum $395,000 for restoration and accessibility improvements to the Mary Baker Eddy Historic House, including exterior trim repair, window relocation and porch reconstruction, and construction of a new entry vestibule and accessible restrooms.
Lowell Memorial Auditorium 
Auditorium Improvements
Grant: $310,000
About the Facility: The 4,000-seat Lowell Memorial
Auditorium is New England's second largest theater and hosts more
than 260 event days per year. Built in 1922, the venue requires
life safety and other improvements to enhance security for attendees
and better meet current code requirements.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $310,000 to the City of Lowell for several improvements
to the auditorium, including the installation of a new fire alarm
system, exterior exit doors, and replacement of the original flooring.
LynnArts,
Inc., Lynn
Deferred Maintenance
Grant: $75,000
About the Facility: The LynnArts Community Art
Center is a 24,000-square-foot facility that houses three gallery
spaces, a black box theatre, and 17 studio spaces for artists.
Roof replacement and other critical repairs are needed to maximize
cultural programming in the theater and improve accessibility.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $75,000 to LynnArts for deferred maintenance and renovations
including roof replacement, HVAC improvements and other repairs,
and installation of a lighting grid and seating to increase capacity
of the black box theater.
New
England Quilt Museum, Lowell
Deferred Maintenance
Grant: $77,000
About the Facility: The New England Quilt Museum is housed in the 1845 former Lowell Saving Institution building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Lowell Historic District. The Museum requires a number of improvements to keep the building safe and up to code.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded New England Quilt Museum $77,000 to address multiple deferred maintenance issues, including HVAC upgrades, fire safety, elevator service systems, and roof and chimney repairs.
Old
Town Hall, Salem
History Alive! at Gordon College
Grant: $174,000
About the Facility: Old Town Hall is the earliest
surviving municipal structure in Salem, and its second floor Great
Hall has been used as a public hall since 1816. Programmed by
Gordon College's History Alive! program, a professional drama
production, improvements are required to provide universal access,
improve energy efficiency, and increase the structural capacity
of the building.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $174,000 to Gordon College to improve access for the front
entrance, restrooms, and second floor stage, and heating system
and window replacement.
RAW Art Works, Lynn
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Grant: $138,000
About the Facility: For over 20 years, RAW Art Works has offered over 40 free art programs to youth, and now also maintains a gallery with rotating exhibits, film screenings and events in Central Square, Lynn. Recently RAW began renovations on its 4-story brick building, which requires a number of improvements to make it more energy efficient.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded RAW Art Works $138,000 for the renovation of their four-story building, including new windows, energy-efficient lighting, HVAC system replacement, and sump pump for flood prevention.
Rockport
Music, Rockport
Shalin Liu Performance Center
Grant: $400,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1982 with the
name Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Rockport Music is committed
to offering diverse musical programming in a seaside setting.
After seven years of searching and planning
for a venue to accommodate audience and program expansion, the
organization began a capital campaign to create its new home.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded Rockport Music $400,000 for the construction of the Shalin Liu Performance Center, a new year-round professional performance facility with a 325-seat concert hall, education/multipurpose space, green room, and other support spaces.
Sargent-Murray-Gilman-Hough
House Association
, Gloucester
Exterior Renovations
Grant: $19,000
About the Facility: The Sargent House Museum is dedicated to the history of Judith Sargent Murray, the first advocate for equal education for women. The original portion of the building was constructed in 1782 and is a unique example of Georgian architecture.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the Sargent House Museum $19,000 for repairs including repainting of the exterior, reglazing of windows, and gutter and downspout replacement.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
The House of the Seven Gables, Salem
Grant: $22,000
Scope of Project: For a complete analysis of the campus, including existing structures, open space, circulation, infrastructure, and maintenance and preservation
Lynn
Memorial Auditorium
Grant: $26,250
Scope of Project: For developing a comprehensive
management, programming and fundraising strategy
Massachusetts High School Drama Guild, Chelmsford
Grant: $25,300
Scope of Project: For site analysis and business and program planning for a proposed small theatre arts center in Metrowest
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
Grant: $38,000
Scope of Project: For a holistic master plan for the preservation and interpretation of the museum's historic properties
The Revolving Museum, Inc., Lowell
Grant: $12,000
Scope of Project: Feasibility study for a new cultural center in Lowell
SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT PLAN GRANT
New England Quilt Museum, Lowell
Grant: $4,000
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Southeast
CAPITAL GRANTS
Cahoon Museum of American Art, Cotuit
Museum Expansion
Grant: $400,000
About the Facility: Originally a tavern along
the stagecoach line between Hyannis and Sandwich, the historic
structure that houses the Cahoon Museum of American Art was built
in 1775 and includes seven galleries, a gift shop, and support
spaces. Although the building was modernized in 1984, the space
is too small to accommodate demand for classes as well as the
need for more art storage; the building also suffers from wear
and tear by the museum's 10,000 visitors each summer.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded the Cahoon Museum $400,000 for construction of a new addition to its historic building, to include two new gallery spaces, art classrooms, art storage space, lobby area with accessible elevator, admissions desk, and a new parking lot to accommodate bus tours for the first time.
Cape Cod Art Association, Barnstable
Exterior Renovations
Grant: $10,000
About the Facility: Cape Cod Art Association offers classes,
exhibitions, and workshops in the visual arts to over 15,000 people
annually. Built in 1973, the Association's distinctive building
houses studios, a library, two galleries, a gift shop, and an
outdoor sculpture garden.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $10,000 to the Cape Cod Art Association for exterior repairs to the center including replacement of exterior siding and trim, replacement of door and windows, and drainage improvements.
Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton
Museum Renovation
Grant: $391,000
About the Facility: The Fuller Craft Museum
welcomes nearly 20,000 annual visitors to view its contemporary
craft objects. Its home is a 1967 building that sits on a 26-acre
site and includes galleries, a restaurant, classrooms, and a library.
The museum recently completed a master plan,
which addresses challenges including energy efficiency,
deferred maintenance, and humidity/climate control.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded the Fuller Craft Museum $391,000 for maintenance, including
major repairs to the HVAC system, which will better preserve the
collection.
Soule Homestead Education Center, Middleborough
Barn Expansion and Green Improvements
Grant: $107,000
About the Facility: Based on a former dairy
farm, Soule Homestead offers environmental education programs,
traditional craft classes, and cultural events to more than 5,000
people annually. The 120-acre campus includes gardens, open fields,
a barn, and a large farmhouse, but lacks modern bathroom facilities
and a space that is suitable for running events in colder weather.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded Soule Homestead $107,000 for the removal, replacement,
and expansion of sections of a 150-year-old barn, using green
technologies, to create a handicap accessible classroom and performance
space with multiple bathrooms and a kitchen.
Spinner Publications, Inc., New Bedford
Office and Archive Upgrades
Grant: $24,000
About the Facility: Spinner Publications produces
high-quality books and other publications to promote the history
and culture of Southeastern New England. The Spinner Archives,
one of the largest historical photo collections in New England,
is housed in a two-story Greek revival house built in 1846. Spinner
Archives contains more than half a million images, which require
appropriate humidity, temperature, and air quality to store and
preserve.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $24,000 to Spinner Publications to install new boiler
and climate-control systems and to address capacity and security
upgrades at Spinner Archives.
Sturgis Library, Barnstable
Renovation and Preservation
Grant: $246,700
About the Facility: Constructed in 1644, the
original portion of Sturgis Library is the oldest public library
in the United States. Renovations are required to address the
safety, energy efficiency, and preservation of this 365-year-old
structure.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $246,700 to the Sturgis Library for renovation and repairs including installation of a fire suppression system, renovation of the archival vault storage area, roof repair, and staircase and window replacement.
Tilden Arts Center, West
Barnstable
Renovation
Grant: $157,000
About the Facility: Built in the late 1960s,
the Tilden Arts Center Building houses a 680-seat performance
theater and a studio theater, available for student and community
use, as well as an art gallery. Located on the Cape Cod Community
College campus, the center holds dance, music, theater, and reading
performances throughout the year.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $157,000 to Cape Cod Community College for accessibility improvements within the Tilden Arts Center, including accessible seating, establishment of access routes to main stage and backstage area, expansion of entry vestibules, regrading of walkways, and installation of captioning and assistive listening devices.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Cultural
Center of Cape Cod, Yarmouth
Grant: $7,875
Scope of Project: Market demand research and current facilities assessment to inform a a proposed expansion
Espirito Santo Museum Foundation, Fall River
Grant: $38,000
Scope of Project: Feasibility study for the establishment of a museum in Fall River, focusing on the immigrant communities of the Lusophone world in New England
Little Theatre of Fall River, Inc.
Grant: $3,000
Scope of Project: For an on-site investigation and assessment of the Firebarn and its systems
Natural Resources Trust of Easton, Inc.
Grant: $2,000
Scope of Project: Feasibility study for upgrading the Parker Room, a year-round multi-functional space for youth education
Provincetown International Film Festival
Grant: $13,125
Scope of Project: For a feasibility and business plan for the proposed acquisition of Whaler's Wharf Cinema
Wellfleet Preservation Hall
Grant: $37,500
Scope of Project: For the feasibiltiy of sustainable and green building options
SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT PLAN GRANTS
Academy of Performing Arts, Inc., Orleans
Grant: $5,000
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster
Grant: $4,000
Natural Resources Trust of Easton, Inc.
Grant: $4,000
Vineyard Playhouse Company, Inc., Vineyard Haven
Grant: $4,000
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Western
CAPITAL GRANTS
Berkshire
Music School, Inc., Pittsfield
Deferred Maintenance
Grant: $65,000
About the Facility: Founded 1940, the Berkshire Music School
provides classes and welcomes nearly 4,000 visitors annually to
performances by guest artists and students. The school includes
two structures, both built in 1875 and in need of repair: a main
building with instruction studios and a 90-seat recital hall that
was converted from a carriage house.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $65,000 for fire safety improvements and other maintenance for the Berkshire Music School's aging buildings, including furnace and window replacement, fire escape and chimney repair, a new water main, and renovations to teaching spaces.
The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Exterior Renovations
Grant: $234,000
About the Project: Built in 1903 and restored in 2006, the Colonial Theatre is a rare surviving example of a Gilded Age performance hall. The 800-seat theater presents a broad range of programs including theater, dance, comedy, and concerts in several musical forms. Despite extensive renovations in the past few years, the building has a number of challenges, including water infiltration.
About the Facility: The Cultural Facilities Fund awarded $234,000 for repairs to the Colonial Theatre to stabilize the building, including brick re-pointing and weather sealing.
Double
Edge Theatre, Ashfield 
Farm Center Facilities Improvements
Grant: $43,000
About the Facility: Double Edge Theatre offers performances,
classes and workshops on a large campus in Ashfield: a 105-acre
former dairy farm that includes a barn complex of performance
spaces, rehearsal space, and artist residences. The Theatre has
recently begun a greening
iniative in order to reduce its energy consumption.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded Double Edge Theatre $43,000 to implement a four-part green
energy renovation plan, which includes insulation improvements,
installation of wood-burning stoves, a solar-powered hot water
system and solar panels.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst
Accessibility Improvements
Grant: $7,900
About the Facility: Founded in 2001, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art works to inspire an appreciation for the art of the picture book. The recently built facility, which welcomes nearly 45,000 visitors annually, includes three rotating galleries, a hands-on art studio, an auditorium, a library, and a cafe.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art $7,900 to improve
accessibility in the gallery spaces by installing automatic door-openers
in three doorways. While the museum is currently ADA compliant,
this project addresses visitor feedback regarding the ease of
navigation through the galleries.
Community Music School of Springfield
A New Concert Hall
Grant: $391,000
About the Facility: Community Music School of Springfield's home is an Art Deco style, 34,000-sq-ft former bank listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To better accommodate its annual audience of 40,000, CMSS recently moved its offices from the former bank lobby, an impressive space with high ceilings and an Art Deco mural, to make way for a new concert hall.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded the Community Music School of Springfield $391,000 for
the renovation of the 5,000-sq-foot atrium into a concert hall,
including construction of staging, platforms and lighting; as
well as parking facility improvements.
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Historic Restoration
Grant: $400,000
About the Facility: Hancock Shaker Village is
sited on 750 acres of historic farm, field, and woodland, and
includes 18 historic buildings dating from 1793-1840. Many of
these have not received full restoration treatment since the early
1960s when the village was first opened.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $400,000 to Hancock Shaker Village for the implementation
of the first phase of a comprehensive master
plan, including construction of a new collections storage
center, repairs to the Round Stone Barn, stabilization of Trustee's
Office, and several historic landscape restoration projects.
Historic Deerfield
Memorial Libraries Renovation
Grant: $63,000
About the Facility: The building that houses the Memorial Libraries was constructed in 1970 and holds collections of hundreds of historic documents and rare books. Renovations are needed to bring current security and climate control systems up to library standards for special/preservation collections.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $63,000 to Historic Deerfield for renovations to library
facilities, including a new security system, partial roof replacement,
HVAC upgrades, and reconfiguration of a 600-square-foot space
as a special collections room.
Jacob's
Pillow Dance Festival, Becket 
Campus Renovations
Grant: $400,000
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. Jacob's
Pillow recently completed a campus master
plan for its 163-acre site, which includes three unique stages,
three dance studios, exhibition spaces, restaurants, gardens,
and woodlands.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival $400,000 for campus
improvements including construction of a new 2,000-square-foot
performance stage to replace the 28-year-old Inside/Out stage,
as well as several parking and grounds improvements.
New Marlborough Village Association, Great Barrington
Meeting House Renovation
Grant: $45,000
About the Facility: New Marlborough Village
Association's home, the Meeting House was built in 1839 in the
Greek Revival style, and served as a Congregational church until
it was sold to the association in 1976. The former sanctuary now
serves as a multipurpose auditorium that requires renovation to
support current programming and address safety and accessibility
issues.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded $45,000 to the New Marlborough Village Association for
construction of a permanent performance platform in the main auditorium
of the meeting house, lighting and sound system improvements,
and safety and access upgrades.
The Norman
Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge 
Campus Renovations
Grant: $190,000
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 36-acre campus includes the main museum built in
1993; Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge Studio, an adapted 19th century
barn; the Linwood House, a Berkshire Cottage built in 1859; a
carriage house and an outdoor sculpture area.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded the Norman Rockwell Museum $190,000 for priority
infrastructure restoration and rehabilitation, including fire
and safety, ADA compliance, and critical grounds work that will
impact visitor safety and accessibility.
Springfield
Museums
New Museum of Springfield History
Grant: $307,000
About the Facility: Founded in 1857, Springfield
Museums comprises four museums dedicated to fine art, science,
and regional history. The Museum is ready for Phase II of a project
to add a fifth museum to the complex that is dedicated to Springfield's
heritage, which will increase the space available for exhibits
and programs and enhance accessibility.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities
Fund awarded $307,000 to the Springfield Museums for the construction
of a 12,000-square-foot addition to the Great Hall, including
a handicapped accessible entrance, expanded visitor orientation
area, new walkways, expanded collection storage, and landscaping
improvements.
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, Inc., Adams
Historic Restoration
Grant: $24,000
About the Facility: The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum is a Quaker federal home built in 1818 that was left vacant ten years ago. The Museum was founded in 2007 to restore the birth home and preserve the legacy of Susan B. Anthony, a well-known women's rights leader born in 1820.
About the Project: The Cultural Facilities Fund
awarded the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum $24,000 for restoration
of the birth home. Improvements include restoration of woodworking,
replastering and painting of kitchen walls, renovation of the
historic kitchen, and recreation of a fireplace/hearth.
FEASIBILITY & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Available Potential Enterprises, Ltd., Northampton
Grant: $15,000
Scope of Project: Capital fundraising feasibility study as the second phase of its project to develop an arts center in downtown Northampton
Berkshire Carousel,
Inc., Pittsfield
Grant: $16,875
Scope of Project: Refining the strategic plan
for building a classical hand-carved wooden carousel and facility
in Pittsfield
Greenfield Community College, Greenfield
Grant: $23,000
Scope of Project: For a business plan to determine the feasibility of opening a performing arts center
Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden Agricultural Society, Northampton
Grant: $38,000
Scope of Project: For a business plan to establish the Three County Fairground as a year-round destination for exhibitions and events
The Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
Grant: $38,000
Scope of Project: For a comprehensive Master
Plan with prioritized timetable and infrastructure cost estimates
for buildings
SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT PLAN GRANTS
American International College, Springfield
Grant: $5,000
The Berkshire Music School, Pittsfield
Grant: $5,000
Double Edge Theatre Productions, Inc., Ashfield
Grant: $4,000
Earthdance Creative Living Project, Plainfield
Grant: $4,000
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