Politics & Government
Newton To Conduct Feasibility Study For Permanent Arts Pavilion
The city will use $50K in American Rescue Plan Act funding to conduct the study over the next six to nine months.
NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton will be conducting a feasibility study in the next six to nine months for a permanent arts and culture pavilion in the Newton Centre Bowl, said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in an announcement Friday.
The feasibility study, which will be funded through Fuller's authorization of the use of $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, comes after students from the Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy and Management found that arts and culture contribute over $19 million to Newton's economy and facilitate individual well being and a greater sense of community.
"This summer we successfully produced concerts and events in the Newton Centre Bowl ranging from the New Philharmonia 50-member orchestra, a live puppet show from the Massachusetts based Tanglewood Marionettes, bands from bluegrass to world jazz, and the July 4th Kids Morning festivities," said Fuller.
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"An outdoor performance venue accommodating over 300 people has been a common need for our arts community," she continued. "We now have evidence to support this request and I am looking forward to working together to create this unique bit of 'Tanglewood' right in the center of our city."
The new pavilion would be located at the Newton Centre Bowl, which is the open space adjacent to Newton Centre Playground, and provide shelter for performers, stage lighting, a solid floor, and electricity for sound equipment.
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"An outdoor performance venue in Newton Centre could be a wonderful new community resource and gathering spot, plus create economic benefits," said Fuller. "The ideas of our artists, performers, non-profits, businesses, residents and City Councilors will shape our decisions during the feasibility study."
In addition to launching the feasibility study, Fuller said she will also use $75,000 in ARPA funding for Revitalize Creative Newton, a grant program for the arts and culture sector of Newton to cover expenses related to reopening and resuming programming and services.
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