State Sen. Bob Duff says more than $35,000 in grants have been awarded to local arts groups.
Photo credit: Nancy Chapman

Several Norwalk-based arts organizations have been awarded more than $35,000 in grants through the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, state Sen. Bob Duff has announced.

The grants are through the General Operating Support program, which is designed to strengthen Connecticut's arts infrastructure by offering funds to arts organizations that provide quality public service. Shakespeare on the Sound received $11,029 from the program; the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, $7,588; the Norwalk Symphony Society Inc., $5,950; the Norwalk Youth Symphony, $6,672; and the SoNo Dance Company Inc., $3,199.

Additionally, two organizations received Arts Presentation Grants, which provide funds to nonprofits, units of state or local governments, and educational institutions that host events featuring members of the Directory of Performing Artists or the Directory of Teaching Artists. Marvin Elementary School in East Norwalk received a $679 grant, while the Norwalk Historical Society received $600.

"From youth programs to historic preservation to cultural enrichment, the arts play a very important role in our community," Duff said in a statement. "Norwalk is lucky in that we have a significant number of strong, vibrant, active arts programs, and I'm grateful to the Commission on Culture and Tourism for once again recognizing Norwalk artists and for these great organizations."