Pushing Against the Tide of Cutbacks
Arts organizations tighten belts and turn to private and state sources.
Provincetown artist Laura Shabott, playwright Patrick Riviere, and the executive director of the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival were relieved to learn that they had been selected for grants from the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) despite the abrupt termination of the foundation’s promised funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
With the support of the Cape Cod Foundation and anonymous donors, AFCC announced on June 26 that it would support the work of 18 arts organizations and 13 individuals. The grants will fund projects that the foundation hopes will “create access to the arts for all, breaking down barriers and fostering connection across Cape Cod.”
At the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Executive Director Sharon Polli called the federal funding news “depressing.” For the most recent fiscal year, FAWC received 10 percent of its revenue from federal sources. While NEA grants totaling $50,000 have been withdrawn or terminated, FAWC successfully appealed the termination of a $50,000 grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
“This is very positive news for us, as it means that we can continue our scholarship efforts for our summer workshop program,” Polli said.
To read the full article in The Provincetown Independent, visit here.
