The City of Hastings has been awarded a grant of $19,500 from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), according to Jerry Czarnecki, Hastings Community Development director.
In 2018, Hastings will continue to present the annual year-round Downtown Sculpture Tour, partner with the Thornapple Arts Council to present Hastings Live! the summer program that includes the Community Concert Series and Friday Night Features, as well as Playing at the Plaza.
“Support from MCACA and local sponsors allows the City of Hastings to provide all these programs free of charge, giving residents in this rural community and visitors alike access to high quality visual and performing arts,” Czarnecki said.//
Grants are awarded through the a peer review process, Hastings was one of 575 applicants to compete for funding in 2018.
MCACA grants require matching funds with private and public dollars. Local support includes the Baum Family Foundation, Hastings Downtown Development Association, Thornapple Arts Council, Brown’s Carpet One, and Barry County Lumber.The City of Hastings also receives significant volunteer support from members of the community and local service organizations.
Grant applications are competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals, ensuring that taxpayers who support the project through state funds, and others, have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.
For more information, contact MCACA at 517-241-4011 or visit the MCACA website at http://www.michiganbusiness.org/community/council-arts-cultural- affairs/#MCACA.
