RUMFORD – Placing all performing and fine arts groups in the River Valley under one organizational umbrella is a major goal of the River Valley Arts Council.
And to do this, the group, which now has nonprofit status as a recognized organization under the municipal government, is applying for a Maine Community Foundation grant that would help pay for such costs. The $7,000 grant, if approved, would also help locate a space for the group and assist in launching a so-called “awareness” program of what the organization is trying to do.
Steve Eldridge, town manager of Rumford and an active advocate of the arts, as well as a leading member of the River Valley group, said Thursday that the application for the Maine Community grant must be submitted by mid-January.
In the meantime, the group is looking to expand its board membership to include representatives from area libraries, the River Valley Chamber of Commerce and other arts-related organizations in the area.
The “awareness” program, tentatively scheduled for late April or early May, will feature a performance by a classical group and will be by invitation only.
“We want to introduce everything that Rumford is doing,” he said.
The council is also exploring foundation, state and other grant opportunities to try to get funding for the renovation of the fourth floor of the former bag mill at the site of the River Valley Technology Center.
Eldridge said he is in the process of nailing down estimated costs for removal of asbestos at the anticipated space. The plan is to re-do the space so artists and artisans can use it to work. He said an antique printing press, now stored at the Pennacook Art Center, is among the items that will likely occupy the space.
To move forward with the organization of the council, a mission statement and a budget must be developed, Eldridge said. The group plans to meet again at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at the Municipal Building to work on the two goals.
Eventually, the organization wants to establish its own nonprofit status.
Although the council has been meeting for only a few months, the idea of an umbrella organization to focus on the arts began several years ago when Becky Welsh completed a survey of River Valley area artists and artisans. She used a state grant during the year-long project to canvas the area, conduct the surveys and publish a booklet listing hundreds of people who create or perform.
Others helping to organize the council are Lem Cissel, owner of Pennacook Art Center and Scrappers Domaine; Betsy Bell, manager of the art center; and Linda Macgregor, grant writer and author of “Rumford Stories,” a compilation of visual and story vignettes of area people and a town history published for Rumford’s bicentennial in 2000.
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