Governor M. Jodi Rell Announces
$2 Million Grant to Support Renovation and Expansion Project at Hartford Stage
February 20, 2008/Hartford, CT -- Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that she is authorizing a $2 million grant on the State Bonding Commission’s February 29th agenda. Michael Wilson, Artistic Director and Michael Stotts, Managing Director joined Governor Rell for the announcement at the Tony Award-winning theatre today.
Funds for the grant would be a result of a new Cultural Capital Program which will provide $20 million in bond funds for one-time capital improvements to arts, cultural and historic venues.
Governor Rell said, “Hartford Stage is, in the truest sense, a Cultural Treasure. We want it to stay that way and want it to grow more and more valuable over time. The theatre is a tremendous regional asset that acts as a magnet for residents young and old, and you can’t put a price on the value of the education that takes place at Hartford Stage, and the number of lives that are impacted here. I can think of no wiser investment. The expansion of Hartford Stage’s footprint and the planned renovations will benefit Hartford and the State for decades to come.
Michael Wilson, Artistic Director said, “We are deeply grateful to Governor Rell and to the State of Connecticut The State first expressed its commitment to Hartford Stage’s future with a $500,000 grant to fund a planning and feasibility study and today, the state is helping to ensure that the city of Hartford and the State of Connecticut will continue to be the home of one of the finest professional, not-for-profit theatres in the country. This investment in Hartford Stage is not only an investment in the refurbishment of our 30 year-old facility, but in revitalizing our community. We bring people from all walks of life together night after night to celebrate the human spirit, reaching 150,000 people every year. We inspire nearly 20,000 school age children every year to think, to feel, to read, and to empathize with their peers from different cultures and economic backgrounds.”
Funds from the state would support a campaign to renovate, modernize and expand the footprint of the 489-seat Church Street theatre, designed by renowned architect Robert Venturi and constructed in 1977.
Michael Stotts said, “The state’s early investment in Hartford Stage’s campaign will play a crucial role in helping to leverage funding from the community. The success of our project can only happen with the support of many generous people, and this vote of confidence from the State helps to ensure the success of our campaign.”
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