Writers Center Receives State Grant

Sixteen arts organizations in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, including the Hudson Valley's Writers Center, 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.

The Hudson Valley's Writers Center in Sleepy Hollow received a grant for $11,600. The funds will allow the center to expand its courses, workshops, and events, including its Setting the Stage reading series, visual arts, music w/ literature, and its ethnically and culturally diverse thematic programs. Funding will also cover the publication of a book highlighting established and emerging authors.

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.

Other Westchester organizations that received grants include Copland House, Peekskill; Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art (HVCCA), Peekskill; 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 Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville.