At the beginning of September, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) distributed a record $139,000 in funding to assist the region’s arts sector in its pandemic recovery.
That funding, made possible through a grant the AFCC received from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) last year, was distributed to 14 arts nonprofits throughout Cape Cod.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the NEA for allowing the AFCC to not only support, but strengthen the mission of these 14 nonprofits, many of which were devastated by the events of the past two years,” said said AFCC Executive Director Julie Wake. “Temporary closings, the costs of implementing health and safety protocols, limits on capacity, and the continued uncertainty of the public to return to in-person events, has placed a strain on our creative industry. These grants are one step towards recovery and ensuring that arts and culture remain a critical piece of the Cape’s identity.”
The AFCC received a total of 26 applications, seeking just under $390,000.
“The number of applications we received and the total request for funding demonstrate the need for increased financial support for arts and culture on Cape Cod,” said Wake.
Of the 26 applicants, 14 were selected for funding based on several criteria, including artistic merit, impact on the community, and need for funding. Individual grants ranged from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000. Funds will be used for salary support, health and safety supplies, marketing, and facilities costs.
The Cape Cod Theatre Company will allocate its $20,000 grant towards staffing costs to increase programming and diversify its educational offerings.
Song Keepers which received a $10,000 NEA grant from the AFCC. Founded in 2012, the Cape-based nonprofit focuses its efforts on expanding and enhancing the artistic and educational experiences of the community with a focus on Black and Brown artists. Its programs include mentoring aspiring musicians and media artists in middle school and high school; the Oversoul Theatre Collective which presents performances by, for, and about Black and Brown People, as well as a reading theater and radio theater projects; and a recording academy for aspiring singers, songwriters, rappers, and bands.
Support from the AFCC will give Song Keepers the momentum to move forward with its work.
The following are recipients of the AFCC’s National Endowment for the Arts grants:
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Cape Cod Theatre Company (Harwich) – $20,000
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Provincetown Art Association and Museum – $20,000
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The Provincetown Theater – $10,000
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Provincetown Film Society – $10,000
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Song Keepers (Mashpee) – $10,000
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Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill – $10,000
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Twenty Summers (Provincetown) – $10,000
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Wellfleet Preservation Hall – $10,000
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Woods Hole Film Festival (Falmouth) – $10,000
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Historic Highfield (Falmouth) – $8,000
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Hyannis Public Library – $6,000
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Falmouth Art Center – $5,000
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Fine Arts Work Center (Provincetown) – $5,000
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Harbor Stage Company (Wellfleet) – $5,000
With this round of funding complete, the AFCC is now preparing for its annual fall grants cycle which will provide financial support for arts and culture programs and projects on Cape Cod. The AFCC will open up the application process with a letter of interest, available Monday, Oct. 3, on its website, www.artsfoundation.org.
The average grant will range from $500 to $2,000, but some applications for up to $5,000 may be considered. Funding is limited to individuals who live and work in Barnstable County, and nonprofits and educational institutions based in Barnstable County.
