Guzman welcomes $249,195 in arts funding for five local projects

Central PA Delegation    December 20, 2023 | 12:24 PM

READING, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that four local projects will benefit from $249,195 in grant funding from the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program. The funds are aimed at enhancing and fostering cultural initiatives in the region.

The grants were awarded to:

  • Barrio Alegria Co. - $13,551 for operating expenses.

  • Berks Arts Council - $55,715 for operating costs and establishing new programs for the arts organization located in Reading.

  • Berks Arts Council - $132,000 to distribute pandemic recovery payments to arts and culture professionals as the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts regranting organization for Region 7 that includes Berks, Lancaster and Schuylkill counties.

  • Reading Symphony Orchestra Association - $37,929 for operating costs for the Orchestra located in Reading.

  • Berks Youth Chorus - $10,000 for operating and marketing expenses for the arts organization located in Reading.

“I am excited about these grants. This funding ratifies my commitment to the city’s local art setting,” Guzman said. “I praise these investments because they will help cover operating costs and support our artists. The arts are necessary in our lives not only as an opportunity to distract ourselves or help us reflect and express, but arts are also a great catalyst for change.”