VSC Receives $20,000 Cultural Facilities Grant

On January 13, VSC was awarded a $20,000 Cultural Facilities Grant from the Vermont Arts Council to support the installation of a 3-stop lift in the Red Mill building. In keeping with VSC's ongoing institutional commitment to fostering an inclusive creative community, the 3-stop lift will provide access to the resident lounge, art reference library and administrative offices. The installation of the lift will broaden the work-exchange, year-long and permanent employment opportunities for mobility aid users; allow VSC to work more effectively with all members of the arts and philanthropic communities; and enable residents who use mobility aids to more fully participate in all aspects of VSC's social life.

Other accessibility plans for the Red Mill will include the redesign of its bathrooms and food-line.

The Cultural Facilities grant program is administered by the Vermont Arts Council in conjunction with the Vermont Historical Society and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. The purpose of this grant program is to assist Vermont nonprofit organizations and municipalities to enhance, create or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural activities for the public. This year, the Vermont Studio Center is one of thirteen institutions selected for 2011 Cultural Facilities Grants.

“We are thrilled to have the Vermont Arts Council get behind our Accessibility Initiative in such a significant way,” said Jill Leininger, Director of Development. “The technical assistance they provided early on has helped our staff make good decisions throughout the planning process as well.”

Leininger added that she hopes the Center will be able to raise the $70,000 needed to begin the project in 2011.