SHELBURNE FALLS — The Arms Library Association has received a $266,000 matching grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund to help finish the library renovation and to create more community use of the iconic downtown building.
And in nearby Ashfield, Double Edge Theatre Productions has received a $120,000 grant for renovations that include the redesign and transformation of several unused farm buildings into workshops, a design studio, storage, and training and rehearsal spaces.
These two West County institutions were among 68 to get capital grants totaling $8.9 million from the state program that fosters the grown of the creative economy by supporting building projects in the nonprofit arts, humanities and sciences.
“This is really exciting,” said Arms Library Director Laurie Wheeler. “We had submitted the grant back in midwinter.” Wheeler said the $50,000 appropriated at Shelburne’s annual town meeting will be used to repair the library’s foundation, and the grant will be put toward several interior projects.
“Basically, the money is for the second phase of restoration of our 1914 building, explained Randy Gobeil, chairman of the Arms Library Association. “It’s a very special building, uniquely designed in the shape of an open book. The building was in major distress. … This second phase will complete the renovation/restoration.”
According to Gobeil, the unique Beaux Arts-style Pratt Memorial Library building was designed in the shape of an open book, with the “cover and spine” spanning Bridge and Main streets.
Phase 1 of the renovation has already been completed, with a new copper dome, new roof and drainage system.
Gobeil said the $266,000 grant requires a 100 percent match. “We have 24 months to raise the match, but our goal is to raise it within 12,” he said.
The money will be used for window improvements, interior mural restorations and for energy efficiency and electrical improvements — so the building will be wired to meet the needs of modern technology.
“We’re really proud to have received one of the larger awards in the commonwealth — and only one of five in our immediate region,” said Gobeil.
Part of the Arms Library grant will be used to develop more exhibition space within the library, so that performances, programs, presentations and lectures can be given there, outside the regular library hours. The library was badly damaged by Tropical Storm Irene, in 2011 and nearly $700,000 was raised for Phase 1. If enough donations come in, library officials hope the renovation will be complete by the fall of 2017.
Double Edge Theatre, located on a former dairy farm on Route 116, will be using its $120,000 and an equivalent fundraising match to restore historic farm structures for new purposes. Double Edge offers theater arts workshops and plays in which the farm itself is part of the “stage.”
One priority is to renovate an historic hay barn that will be used as a scene and design shop, says Matthew Glassman, co-artistic director of Double Edge. Also the grant and matching funds will be used for other projects, including the creation of storage space, archives and music space.
“This grant, and these capital improvements, come at a really critical time for the theater — because we’re growing so much and doing so much programming both in Ashfield and outside in other communities,” he said.
“Next year, we’re going to be creating a large-scale public spectacle in the center of Ashfield,” Glassman said. “It’s important for us to be connected to the community, and this type of grant it allowing us to fix what needs to be done.”
“Supporting our local creative economy is essential for Western Massachusetts to continue promoting a healthy arts and tourism industry, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, was quoted as saying in an announcement from the council. “The grants fuel our vibrant arts community by ensuring that there is ample space for artists to thrive.”
Other western Massachusetts cultural centers that received he grant include: the Amherst Cinema Arts Center, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Northampton Community Arts Trust Inc., and the Barrington Stage Co. in Pittsfield.