For Immediate Release
January 9, 2020
Contact: Betsy Lundy, Downtown Coordinator & Cultural Liaison
(207) 992-4234
betsy.lundy@bangormaine.gov
City of Bangor Announces Latest Round of Arts & Cultural Grant Awards
BANGOR, MAINE – The Bangor City Council recently voted to approve the latest round of arts and cultural grant awards, as recommended by the City’s Commission on Cultural Development (CCD) committee. The range of projects supported by the CCD’s biannual grant cycle include an Arabic language music video, an open mic event designed to cultivate the next generation of performers, and a locally relevant theatre production about the opioid crisis.
The Fall 2019 round of grants were awarded to: Zakariah Allaf, to finish production of his original Arabic language hip-hop composition, “Stress,” and its accompanying video addressing the experience of a Syrian immigrant moving to Bangor; Launchpad, to fund logistical and production needs to stage its monthly, all-ages Open Mic program at Bangor Arts Exchange for 12 months; and the Penobscot Theatre, to provide support for the production of Safety Net, a timely new work about a small-town fire chief attempting to deal with the worsening opioid crisis, including free tickets to local patrons who have been impacted by addiction as well as pre- and post-performance talks by a variety of experts from around the State.
The City of Bangor awards grants twice a year, with deadlines in May and November. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit: www.bangormaine.gov/culturalcommission.
The City of Bangor recognizes the arts as a major economic driver, generating over ten million dollars locally in entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, and stores; creating 312 full-time equivalent jobs; generating $6.2 million in income for City residents; and $1.1 million in local and state government income.
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The City of Bangor, Maine is a service center community of 33,039 residents and is the county seat of Penobscot County. Bangor is the major commercial and cultural center for much of northern and eastern Maine. The City is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. For information on City projects and news, see www.bangormaine.gov.