BMAC and Elliot Street Cafe Support Vitality of Brattleboro Area Arts and Artists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 2, 2013
Contact: Pete Biolsi, Mondo Mediaworks
pete@mondomediaworks.com
802-451-0828

Hi-res image with caption available for download at: http://flic.kr/p/e8a8vY

Applications now being accepted for upcoming B.E.A.N. Micro-Grant Dinner on April 14

BRATTLEBORO, VT — The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) and Elliot Street Cafe invite individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to apply for funding for art projects through the next B.E.A.N. Micro-Grant Dinner, which will be held at BMAC on Sunday, April 14 at 6 p.m. Anyone may submit a request. The only criteria are that the proposed project must “contribute to the vitality of art and artists in our community and benefit from a small grant of just a few hundred dollars.” Requests must be submitted online at www.brattleboromuseum.org by Tuesday, April 9 at 5 p.m.

For only $12, anyone may enjoy dinner and live music at the museum and help decide which projects should receive the proceeds from the event. The greater the number of guests, the more money there will be to fund the selected projects. Dinner reservations are not necessary; pay at the door. Elliot Street Café will prepare dinner for 50; first come, first served. For more information, visit www.brattleboromuseum.org.

According to BMAC Exhibitions Manager Margaret Shipman, B.E.A.N. (Brattleboro Essential Arts Network) Micro-Grant Dinners “are fun gatherings that provide artists and others with financial support and encourage collaborative decision-making around local art projects.” BMAC and the Elliot Street Café have hosted eight such dinners over the past two and a half years. “We’ve given away around $4,000 so far,” she said, “and that’s not including the special B.E.A.N. Dinner we held to raise funds for artists impacted by Tropical Storm Irene, which brought in $8,000 on its own.” Previous B.E.A.N. micro-grant recipients have included individual artists and teachers, alumni of the New England Youth Theater, the Estey Organ Museum, In-Sight Photography Project, and others.

Founded in 1972, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center presents rotating exhibits of contemporary art, complemented by lectures, artist talks, film screenings, and other public programs. The museum’s exhibits and gift shop are open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11-5; Friday: 11-7; Saturday: 10-5. Regular admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students. Members and children under 6 are admitted free of charge. Located in historic Union Station in downtown Brattleboro, at the intersection of Main Street and Routes 119 and 142, the museum is wheelchair accessible. For more information call 802-257-0124 or visit www.brattleboromuseum.org.

Major support for BMAC is provided by its members and Entergy Vermont Yankee, Foard Panel, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters, People’s United Bank, Brattleboro Ford Subaru, andWhetstone Station Restaurant & Brewery.