WESTPORT - The Westport Cultural Council has awarded $34,000 in grant funds to 24 community projects. All money awarded will help to bring a wide array of activities and programs throughout the year, and provide support for seniors, educational programs in local schools, and the many nonprofit organizations serving Westport.
Funds for these awards are from a grant from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust, administered by the Bank of America. The Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust was established to carry on the life work of Helen Ellis, a sculptor, artist and writer known throughout the community as a strong supporter of artistic talent who endeavored to enrich her community in the arts. As assistant curator of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society, she organized and promoted exhibitions that would foster public participation in the museum.
The Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust strives to continue her work through grants that support cultural experiences for children and adults in the Westport, Dartmouth and New Bedford areas. The Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust provides grants to organizations that create programs relating to arts, music, crafts, conservation, wildlife and history preservation.
For more information on the Westport Cultural Council, visit westport-ma.com/cultural-council/pages/about-westport-cultural-council, or the Westport Cultural Council Facebook page.
GRANTEES, PROJECTS & GRANT AMOUNTS:
Dharma Voyage, Boat Building/Youth Coastal Rowing, $1000
Westport Music Boosters, New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Learning in Concert, $399
Westport Elementary School, Author Visitation Program, $3000
Macomber School, Marionette Company workshops, $4500
Westport Art Group, Summer Camp scholarships, $825
Concerts at the Point, Handel & Haydn Society Concert, $1000
Westport Historical Society, Handy House Heritage Trail, $750
The Art Drive, 13th Annual Open Studio Tour, $500
Westport Cultural Council Film Committee, Summer Film Series, $2500
David C. Cole, Paul Cuffe papers scholarship, $500
Westport Jr./Sr. High Drama Club, Drama Club costuming for plays, $3000
Friends of Westport Library, Biome Traveling Tide Pool, $100
Friends of Westport Library, Lego Master Builder
Westport Public School, 7th grade trip to Trinity Rep/A Christmas Carol, $2000
Westport River Watershed Alliance, Cherry & Webb book production, $500
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, NBSO Learning in Concert, $2000
Westport Economic Development, Music at Westport Farmers’ Market, $1200
Westport Music Boosters, Elementary Drama Club costuming, $2000
Westport Council on Aging, Bringing Seniors Together programs, $750
Westport Land Conservation Trust, Summer Concert, $1500
Round the Bend Farm, Garlic and Arts Festival, $250
Gail Roderigues, Women of Westport children’s book production, $1000
Spinner Publications, Paul Cuffe book, $3000
Westport River Watershed Alliance, Wonders of the Watershed videos, $2500