The Etherredge Center Receives Major Grant Funding
The Etherredge Center for the Fine and Performing Arts is pleased to announce that it is the recent recipient of a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Aiken, SC (07/26/2021) — The Etherredge Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, on the campus of the University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken), is pleased to announce that it is the recent recipient of a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). According to the grant's online portal, the SVOG program "was established in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act to provide over $16.2 billion in economic relief to target industries."
Paul Crook, executive director of the Etherredge Center, commented, "While the pandemic was hard on industries across the nation, the performing arts were particularly affected. We are designed for audiences to come together indoors and share in the joy of actors, musicians, and dancers, and that hasn't been possible in the past year." The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March of 2021, and grant disbursements began in May. "It is amazing how quickly the SBA was able to turn applications around for this grant and quickly get funds to those in our field who sorely need it," Crook said.
As the SBA could not offer guidance to grant applicants directly, per regulations, that responsibility landed on local and regional Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). Aiken's SBDC is housed on the UofSC Aiken campus and headed by Brent Hoover, a business consultant and adjunct professor. "Brent was able to take us through webinars designed to assist in navigating the application process," Crook said. "We are extremely grateful to the SBDC and all they do for us."
The grant funds will go towards payroll for Etherredge Center staff and previously contracted artist fees. Michael St. John, the former house manager and event coordinator for the Etherredge Center, worked on the grant application as well. "The Etherredge Center truly functions as the face of the university for our community," St. John said. "This grant enables the Etherredge Center to continue to pursue its mission of providing the highest quality live entertainment to Aiken and the surrounding areas."
The Etherredge Center recently announced its 2021-2022 Cultural Series, which kicks off Sept. 18 with the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit usca.edu/etherredge-center or call 803-641-3305.
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The grant funds will go towards payroll for Etherredge Center staff and previously contracted artist fees. The Etherredge Center recently announced its 2021-2022 Cultural Series, which kicks off Sept. 18 with the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.