Foundation Offers Grants To Artists In Southington

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Artists in Southington and five neighboring communities can apply for grants aimed at helping them develop their work, expand their skills, and explore new creative projects.

The Main Street Community Foundation is accepting applications for grants from its Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund, with an application deadline of Oct. 28.

The grants are available to working artists in fine arts, graphic arts, and performing arts, including music, dance, and theater.

Applicants must live in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington or Wolcott.

Grant requests should support projects or initiatives that further an artist's creativity, exploration of their talent, or continued learning, according to the foundation.

Artists interested in applying must contact Whitney Shufelt, director of grants and programs, or Alicia Krar, grants manager, at the foundation at least one week before the application deadline to discuss eligibility and receive application instructions.

Since the grant program began in 2024, Main Street Community Foundation has awarded $23,025 to five local artists.

Last year, three artists received funding for professional education, development of their artistic practices and work associated with completing and marketing their projects.

The fund was established through a bequest following the 2023 death of Louise Lauretano DeMars, a longtime figure in Bristol's arts and museum community.

DeMars spent 28 years as executive director of The Carousel Museum in Bristol and was involved with numerous arts, cultural and museum organizations. The fund was created to continue her support for established artists and the arts.

The fund honors the memory of Louise Lauretano DeMars, who died Jan. 9, 2023, and recognizes her contributions to the museum industry and the region's arts and cultural community.

Among her most prominent local roles was her 28-year tenure as executive director of the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, where her leadership helped establish the museum as a national tourist destination.

DeMars was also a member of numerous organizations and associations throughout her career in the museum and arts communities. The fund was established to continue her passion for art while supporting and inspiring artists.

The Main Street Community Foundation, established in 1995, serves Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. The organization said it has distributed more than $36 million in grants and scholarships since its founding.

For more information on the Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund, click on this link.

To apply for a grant at the foundation, click on this link.