LANSING – State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today announced that the city of Williamston and the Williamston Theatre Project have received nearly $30,000 in grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA).
"The impact of the arts on our communities too often goes overlooked," said Byrum. "Young people are drawn to areas with thriving artistic and cultural scenes. Companies want to set up shop where their employees will have things to do and enjoy a high quality of life. Tourists will be more likely to visit and pump their dollars into local businesses. Congratulations to Williamston and the Williamston Theatre Project for finding a creative way to rejuvenate their economy."
The city of Williamston received a $16,900 grant from the MCACA, which it will use to upgrade theatrical sound and lighting capabilities, replace a portion of the roof, repair and reconfigure the shop area and install new water heaters at the Williamston Theater. The Williamston Theatre Project received a $12,300 grant it will use to create and present a new theatrical piece: "Maidens, Mothers and Crones: Voices from Women of the Midwest." There will be 20 performances of the piece over four weeks.
The MCACA serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative and cultural activity in Michigan. The agency this year awarded 252 arts and cultural grants in 49 Michigan counties, totaling approximately $7.7 million. All grant applications were evaluated through a process of peer review. Panels, consisting of arts and cultural professionals from throughout the state, evaluated and judged each application based on published review criteria.
"By enhancing Williamston's growing arts and culture scene, we will make it even more interesting for those who live there and make it more appealing to visitors," Byrum said. "If we increase the visibility and awareness of arts and culture in Michigan, we will spur interest and development in our communities and make this state an even better place to live, work and raise a family."