Courtney Announces Arts Grants for Mystic Ballet, Goodspeed Opera House

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) announced that two eastern Connecticut cultural gems, the Goodspeed Opera House and the Mystic Ballet, were awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. The $30,000 grant to the Goodspeed Opera House will support a new production of Irving Berlin's "Holiday Inn," which will run from September 19 to November 30 this year. The Mystic Ballet will receive $10,000 to support the commissioning of new works for The Choreography Project.

"Eastern Connecticut's arts scene is an important part of our culture, as well as a driver of tourism in our area," said Congressman Courtney. "These grants will support new performances that will entertain local residents and draw visitors who will gain an appreciation for the unique charms eastern Connecticut has to offer."

"We are so appreciative of Congressman Courtney's leadership in funding the NEA which, in turn, allows us to create brand new musicals like Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn for audiences in Connecticut and across the nation," said Michael P. Price, Executive Director of the Goodspeed Opera House.

"One of the pleasures of enriching the life and serving the cultural needs of the community, with the hope to inspire and enlarge the artistic footprint of Connecticut both nationally and internationally is a privilege, and we are honored to be recognized by the NEA, and express sincere gratitude to Congressmen Joe Courtney, for his dedication, ongoing support, and direct participation in the growth of an artistic presence in Connecticut with the goal of bettering the opportunities and the lifestyle of its constituents," said Dr. Goran Subotic, Artistic Director of the Mystic Ballet

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