Christmas came early this year for the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice, and while the presents say “do not open until 2015,” the people behind this now well-established arts group are thrilled.
The Voice Festival was given a $114,500 state grant last week as part of a multi-million dollar regional Economic Development Initiative handed out by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Dec. 11.
The award joins another state award announced earlier this year during the Festival’s opening night celebration when Assemblyman Kevin Cahill announced to the crowd a $125,000 grant.
On Wednesday, the Executive Director and co-founder of the non profit group said these grants mean much more than just money.
“Starting an endeavor that it is beyond ourselves and touches so many life is daunting,” Maria Todaro said. “Regardless of how much passion, knowledge, perseverance, strategy, professionalism we may display, without the right funding at the right time, dreams collapse.
“The grants we just received are not just meeting vital financial needs due to our growth, they demonstrate a bond between the region and us, a tremendous encouragement. They have faith in what we do and they dream along with us.”
Justin Kolb, chairman of the Voice Festivals Board of Directors, thanked Cahill this week for being a key player in securing the funds.
“We at the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice are grateful to receive this funding that will help us to expand upon and enhance the Festival,” said Kolb, Festival co-founder and Trustee. “These grants will be used to further a local arts education program, fund the salary of a full-time Development Director and improve upon the existing marketing campaign in an effort to attract a larger audience while maintaining our commitment to the community that helped us get this event started.
“I and my colleagues at the Festival are especially thankful to Assemblyman Cahill who has been a strong supporter of our work from the beginning and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”
Cahill, D-Kingston, announced the Mid-Hudson Valley Region was awarded a total of $82.8 million in grants from the New York State Regional Economic Development Council.
“This funding is imperative to advancing several projects that are expected to create jobs and significantly boost the economy of the Hudson Valley Region,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “The fact that our area was allocated such a large sum speaks volumes to the many ambitious and innovative business ventures that have strong ties to our local communities.
“I am proud to continue my support of these important endeavors that will make our entire region a more attractive place to live.”
Joined together, the Voice Festival’s total grant award is $239,500. The $125,000 announced earlier this year is a Community Capitol Assistance Grant and will also be made available in 2015.
This summer’s 5th annual Festival, which drew more than 5000 spectators during a four day run, celebrated the rich history and culture of Spanish music, with performances of the Flamenco and the classic “Barber of Seville,” along with a variety of other live opera, orchestra and choral productions.
There were also public vocal workshops offered to youth and adult visitors, operatic educational lectures at a local coffeehouse, and storytelling for children and families.
For more information visit http:www.phoeniciavoicefest.org.
