Burns Center and Magic Box Receive Arts Grants

Sixteen arts organizations in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, including two in Pleasantville, have received a total of $244,789 in grants from the New York State Council on the Arts. The council made the announcement in conjunction with State Senator Terrence Murphy of the Fortieth Senate District.

This direct-funding grant money is in addition to the arts decentralization grants provided to organizations to support local programs.

"Investing in the arts increases the economic, cultural and educational value of our communities," Senator Murphy said.

The Jacob Burns Film Center received two grants totaling $41,300 for

• Animator-in-residence fees, equipment and other expenses associated with Minds in Motion, an education program that gives students the opportunity to create their own animated films.

• Also general support for year round exhibitions of independent, documentary and international films, speaker events and community programming.

Magic Box Productions, Inc., received a $20,000 grant. The organization is entering its second decade of providing exemplary media arts workshops for New York City schools and community groups.

Other Westchester organizations that received grants include Friends of Music Concerts, Inc., Croton-on-Hudson; Hudson Stage Company, Croton-on Hudson; Hammond Museum, Inc., North Salem; Historic Hudson Valley, Pocantico Hills; and the Hudson Valley's Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow.