VALE – The Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario has received a state grant to support 15 programs for children.
This year, the Oregon Cultural Trust grant is part of more than $2.7 million awarded to cultural organizations across the state. The cultural center was awarded $7,698.
The grant will fund 15 annual art and cultural programs for local children across the socio-economic spectrum at the cultural center.
Carrie Kikel, communications manager for the Cultural Trust, said that the grant provides more children cultural events in Malheur County, one of the poorest in the state.
“Making sure that their activities and events are accessible for the children who live in Malheur County is very important to those at the Four Rivers Cultural Center,” Kikel said.
“The grant will help those young people be able to attend and participate in those programs regardless of the costs and the language barriers,” Kikel added.
The competitive grants were awarded to 86 cultural organizations that serve most parts of the state.
Matt Stringer, executive director of the Four Rivers Cultural Center, said that the grant would fund programs such as ballet, children’s yoga, and four community productions that occur every year.
The Portland Opera comes to the Cultural Center every year, and the grant also funds the appearance of the Missoula Children’s Theatre.
Stringer said the Cultural Center applies for 30 to 40 grants annually to fund more than 50 programs per year, Stringer said.
“We started the Community Theatre from scratch, and we are particularly proud of it,” Stringer said.
In total, these 15 programs funded by the Cultural Trust grant are expected to impact an estimated 24,685 people, Stringer added.
News tip? Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected] or 541-473-3377.
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