‘Save Our Granite Stages’ grants available for smaller-sized NH arts venues

Small performing arts venues and performing arts production entities are welcome to apply for funding through the N.H. State Council on the Arts Save Our Granite Stages grant program.

The $1M in funding for the program comes from the State’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Fund. It continues the State’s commitment to supporting arts organizations and venues through the challenges of COVID-19 and builds on $13M in targeted relief funding provided in 2020 and 2021 through the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery.

Venues with 300 seats or fewer and arts organizations that produce performances in venues of that size are eligible to apply. Additionally, to be considered for this grant, applicants may not have received funding from the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. 

As part of the application process, organizations must be located in New Hampshire and are required to explain how funding will have an immediate positive impact on the state’s arts workforce and detail how funding will benefit their organization.

A one-time, temporary funding opportunity, Save Our Granite Stages is meant to assist smaller arts venues that are still struggling from pandemic-related impacts, including reduced ticket sales, artist cancellations, increased facilities costs related to upgrading ventilation systems, and more. 

The deadline to apply for a Save Our Granite Stages grant is May 27, 2022. More information, including how to register for online workshops focused on the program on April 7 and 21, is available by visiting the N.H. State Council on the Arts website, nh.gov/nharts, and clicking on “Grants.”

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, a division of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, enhances the quality of life in New Hampshire by stimulating economic growth through the arts, investing in the creativity of students, making the arts accessible to underserved populations and preserving heritage arts. Learn more about the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts at nh.gov/nharts.

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