Neighbor News
RIVERSIDE THEATRE WORKS, FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT SCHOOL, HYDE PARK MAIN STREETS WIN 'COLLABORATE BOSTON' GRANT
$25,000 grant awarded to develop arts projects in Hyde Park's Logan Square.
Riverside Theatre Works, the Franklin D. Roosevelt School, and Hyde Park Main Streets have been awarded a $25,000 “Collaborate Boston” grant from the Boston Foundation, in order to develop arts projects that will strengthen the neighborhood.
The grant, one of four awarded to groups along the Fairmount Corridor, will help galvanize the ongoing transformation of Hyde Park’s Logan Square. Riverside Theatre Works, a performing arts center in the heart of the neighborhood, will join with teachers at the Roosevelt School to offer visual and theater arts programs.
To involve the entire community, Roosevelt students will take part in monthly performances and art shows, provided in conjunction with discounts at local restaurants and businesses. The goal is to expand the presence of the arts in Logan Square, and to encourage people to visit the area regularly.
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The group will partner with other local organizations, such as the Menino Arts Center. More details will be announced at a launch reception on February 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Briar Rose Restaurant, 1300 Hyde Park Avenue.
“I’m thrilled that the Boston Foundation has given us the chance to showcase the arts in our community,” said Toni Ruscio, executive director of Riverside Theatre Works. “This grant helps us offer arts programs to people who may not otherwise get to experience such wonderful and creative moments.”
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“We’re excited to use this program to enhance the artistic presence in Hyde Park,” said Emily Patrick, executive director of Hyde Park Main Streets. “Many of these events and programs will be a great way for families and residents to patronize the small businesses in the district.”
Lynda-Lee Sheridan, Principal of the Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 School said “We are thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Riverside Theatre Works and Hyde Park Main Streets. The Roosevelt students will benefit from opportunities to participate in after school programming in theatre arts, as well as have their artwork on display in local Fairmount businesses. We are eternally grateful to the Boston Foundation for this grant.”
This year’s Collaborate Boston grant competition was open to resident-led collaborations along the Fairmount Corridor. Winners receive $25,000 in grants and/or technical assistance. Other winning projects include a youth-led beautification program in Dorchester’s Fields Corner; a breakfast program to foster dialogue in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan; and a “buy-in club” to help people purchase food collectively from local farms and wholesale distributors.
ABOUT RIVERSIDE THEATRE WORKS
Riverside Theatre Works (RTW), the only live theater venue in Hyde Park, aims to bring quality, affordable theater to the community – and enrich lives with exposure to the arts. Riverside offers private lessons and group classes and produces plays and concerts for children, families, and adults. RTW alumni have gone on to appear on Broadway and national tours, and to use their theater training in all aspects of their lives.
ABOUT HYDE PARK MAIN STREETS
Hyde Park Main Streets strives to make Hyde Park a better place to live, work, dine, and shop. HPMS works with new and established businesses on design assistance, technical support, and better business practices such as energy efficiency and sustainable operations. The organization also supports the business district on a macro level, promoting Hyde Park to the broader Boston community as an appealing and dynamic destination.
ABOUT THE ROOSEVELT SCHOOL
The Franklin D. Roosevelt K-8 School is a full inclusion Boston Public School located on two separate campuses in Hyde Park. Its mission is to develop academic excellence, empower every student with critical and creative thinking skills, and instill the habits of life-long learning, respect for others, and responsible citizenship.
ABOUT THE BOSTON FOUNDATION
The Boston Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the nation, with net assets of $850 million. The Foundation is made up of some 850 separate charitable funds established by donors either for the general benefit of the community or for special purposes. The Boston Foundation also serves as a major civic leader, provider of information, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to address the community’s and region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.tbf.org or call 617-338-1700.