Rep. Carter Applauds as Artists from Bethel and Danbury Receive Grants

State Rep. Dan Carter (R-2) is applauding the announcement of two grants for local artists in Bethel and Danbury as part of a national endowment.

Thomas Carruthers of Bethel is receiving a $10,000 “Arts Leadership” grant and the Danbury Music Centre is receiving a $23,000 “Arts Leadership” grant through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

The funds were awarded to more than 100 projects seeking to plan or implement arts-based creative “placemaking.” The grants require the recipients to engage with the community and use the arts in a leadership role.

“Unfortunately, in tough economic times such as these, state funding for the arts is often reduced or eliminated,” Rep. Carter said. “I’m pleased these national endowments could be secured for Connecticut, enabling local artists to continue enriching our cultural identity. Congratulations to Thomas Carruthers and the Danbury Music Centre; I am excited and eager to see their creative work product.”

These grants were funded by a state appropriation to the DECD/the Connecticut Office of the Arts, from the National Endowment for the Arts.