RiverSing receives grant from the Cambridge Arts Council

For immediate release

Media contact
Elissa Bolt
617.608.1410

Cambridge, MA—April 24, 2008—The Charles River Conservancy (CRC) is planning the Fifth Year Anniversary celebration of the increasingly popular RiverSing that will take place on Sunday, September 21st.

As a part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), a state agency, this funding of $2250 was provided though the Cambridge Arts Council (CAC) and will help the Conservancy serve thousands of Charles River Parklands celebrants through the autumnal equinox event, organized with Revels.

MCC grants are awarded through a competitive process and receiving funds signifies that the Conservancy "provides a high level of quality in its programs, community service and administrative ability."

"It is support like this that small non-profits depend on to bring important cultural and community-building activities to Cambridge, or in this case, the Charles River," said Renata von Tscharner, founder and president of the Conservancy.

"The arts can now reach a more diverse crowd and foster a deeper sense pd community along the riverbanks of Cambridge," said State Representative Alice Wolf, D- Cambridge, who has attended several RiverSings in the past.

The CAC grant program is funded by the City of Cambridge and an allocation from the MCC. The MCC has a budget of $7.3 million for fiscal year 2003. The mission of the MCC is to promote excellence, education, access, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and to contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The not-for-profit cultural industry has a $2.56 billion economic impact in the state and generates $24.4 billion in federal, state and local taxes revenues annually.

# # #

The Charles River Conservancy is a public interest organization founded in 2000 and dedicated to the stewardship and renewal of the Charles River Parklands from Boston Harbor to the Watertown Dam. While advocacy for and education about the parklands are the high priorities, physical improvements and events also form part of the Conservancy's efforts. The Conservancy's other programs include bringing some 2500 volunteers to the parklands every year, improving the pathways, working on the return of swimming, illuminating the bridges, and building a skatepark. Making the parklands more attractive, active and accessible to all. For more information about the Charles River Conservancy, please visit www.thecharles.org or call 617-608.1410.