Artists and organizations in New Haven to receive grants

NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - New Haven announced dozens of local artists and organizations will receive grants, helping highlight cultures, while bringing neighborhoods to life.

The city said over the years, the process of applying for and writing the grant all the layers didn’t make it easy for smaller, deserving organizations to get access to the funds.

That changed this year and the mayor said it will help New Haven be more vibrant.

New Haven announced 42 local artists and organizations will share more than $187,000 as part of the city’s Neighborhood Cultural Vitality grant.

The grants, ranging from $2,400 to $7,000, will support artists, community festivals and projects that celebrate and bring together New Haven’s diverse cultures.

In line with the city’s Cultural Equity Plan, it’s focusing on under-supported artists and underrepresented neighborhoods.

“It really is about opening up the world of arts and culture, what its traditionally known for and how it has advanced.  It has advanced and unless we acknowledge that, it keeps a lot of people out,” said Adriane Jefferson, New Haven Director of Arts, Culture and Tourism.

New Haven’s Lyric Hall is like stepping back into time.

Filled with art and antiques, it had to shut down in 2020, but owner John Cavaliere said they’re renovating so they can put on a reading of a new play.

“About the life of Alexander Bouchet, who was the first African American graduate student in America and he lived right here in New Haven,” said John Cavaliere at Lyric Hall.

They’re one of 42 local artists or organizations sharing more than $187,000 this year, as part of the city’s neighborhood cultural vitality grant.

Lyric Hall is joining dozens of winners including the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, the Shubert Theater, City Seed, which runs the farmers’ markets and Sanctuary Kitchen, and the Wooster Square Cherry Blossom Festival.

“This is what it looks like, diverse funding, really supporting our community which is a melting pot of different types of people and making sure we are putting our money where our mouths are in a real way,” said Adriane.

That includes helping organizers bring back the Dixwell Neighborhood’s Freddie Fixer Parade.

The last one was in 2019, before the pandemic. Last year they didn’t have enough funds to cover the police overtime cost. Now its back on for June.

“It means a lot to the community. It’s not just a day to come for entertainment and to have fun.  It has historic value to many people,” said Diane Brown with the Freddie Fixer Parade Committee.

“Everyone is literally an artist of some sort of another in New Haven, whether its cooking, painting, drawing, singing, dancing, play writing,” said John. “What’s great about the grant, it draws attention to the little people, the artists of New Haven.”

For the full list of grant winners, click here.

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