Fraser – Brewer Amendment Allows Small Towns and Rural Communities to Apply for MA Cultural Facilities Funds

Fraser – Brewer Amendment Allows Small Towns and Rural Communities to Apply for MA Cultural Facilities Funds

According to Genevieve Fraser, artistic director of the Drama Circle and a member of the Orange Cultural Council, “Until recently, the Capital Facilities Fund administered through the Massachusetts Cultural Council had rules that effectively barred small towns and rural communities from accessing the program which supplies money to plan for, renovate, expand, and repair facilities.”

“The grant, which also offers help to nonprofit cultural organizations and public or private institutions of higher education, was available to municipalities - provided that the municipally owned cultural facility was at least 50,000 square feet in size, and at least 50% devoted to cultural purposes,” Fraser explained. 

“But that 50,000 square feet rule left most small towns and rural communities unable to compete for these vitally needed funds. Yet, many town halls are among the most historic buildings in their communities and often double as the cultural facility, offering art shows and dance recitals as well as musical, film and theatrical venues,” Fraser stated.

In an attempt to remedy the situation, Fraser contacted State Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and requested that the language be changed so that town halls and other municipal buildings in rural areas might be eligible.  The result was an amendment to the 2013 MA state budget which has now been signed into law.

“Section 42 of chapter 23G of the General Laws has now been amended so that the municipal facility which doubles as a cultural facility no longer has to be 50,000 square feet or greater. Instead, the ‘building, structure or site’ is eligible for capital improvement funds if it is ‘125 years old or older and is significant in the history, archeology, architecture or culture of the nation, the commonwealth or the community in which it is located.’ And, best of all, it may be of any size,” Fraser said.