KINGSTON – Mayor Steven Noble is pleased to announce the next round of APRA Community Events Grant Program awards for a total of $35,000 across four community groups. The 2023 Community Events Grant Program is made possible with Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The city has allocated $375,000 to support local events occurring in 2023 as part of city-wide pandemic recovery efforts.
The second round of ARPA Community Events Grant program funding was awarded to the Hudson Valley Current for the Open Table: Spring into Sharing event in May; Voice Theatre, Inc. for Youth Speak Matters, a youth theater show in July 2023; and the Clinton Avenue Methodist Church for the Third Annual Midtown Spanish Independence Celebration in September 2023. Each of these groups received $5,000 of grant funding.
The Center for Creative Education received $20,000 for the following events: Black Artivist Experience, Hispanic Heritage Festival, Spread Love Thanksgiving, and Women’s Experience.
“We are thrilled to get another round of ARPA funding directly into the community to support these events,” said Mayor Noble. “As we all know, Kingston is a city of events, which have been a draw to our area and a source of community pride and unity. Our goal with this program is to support as many local events and festivals as possible, and I encourage community groups to apply for this funding.”
Bryant Drew Andrews, Executive Director at the Center for Creative Education said, “As an arts and human services organization, we are excited to receive this funding, which will allow us to expand our reach and impact in the Kingston community.”
“This Community Events grant will allow the Hudson Valley Current to invite the community into our community kitchen at Tilda’s Kitchen & Market to enjoy good music and food all day long,” said Chris Hewitt, Executive Director of Hudson Valley Current.
Shauna Kanter, Artistic Director at Voice Theatre said, “The ARPA Community Events grant makes it possible for Voice Theatre to grow and flourish in Kingston as we serve our community!”
“ARPA funding offers Kingston groups the opportunity to turn ‘schemes into dreams’ through special event funding for community celebrations like the annual Midtown Spanish Independence Celebration held in September,” said Joy MacVane, Lead Pastor of the Clinton Avenue Methodist Church.
Funding is available for events taking place through the end of December 2023. Grant applications will be accepted through Friday, November 1, 2023. The last eligible event date is December 31, 2023.
More information, a list of eligible expenses, and the application can be found at: www.engagekingston.com/arpa-community-events-grant-program.
