The Center for Arts in Natick Receives Grant

The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) received an extremely generous grant from Foundation for MetroWest to add to the current in-house audio technology. TCAN used the $2,000 grant to purchase a keyboard for in-house use for various artists and events.

The keyboard that TCAN purchased is a Yamaha Motif XF8 Synthesizer Workstation with over 1,600 different voices. TCAN purchased the instrument from a Berklee student from Singapore who was returning home and could not transport the keyboard overseas. 

The keyboard was used for the first time by the legendary Stanley Clarke Trio when they appeared at TCAN this June. The band was delighted to have a top-of-the-line musical instrument to use for their performance.

David Lavalley, Executive Director of TCAN said, "The cost of renting and setting up an electronic keyboard or synthesizer is usually around $350 for one performance. This keyboard allows us so much flexibility. The new instrument will help us meet our needs of our performing artists and reduce our ongoing production expenses. We are grateful to the Foundation for MetroWest for its continuing support of our efforts to keep ticket prices affordable and the arts accessible in our community."

As members of the TCAN Founders Society, the Foundation for MetroWest supported the first renovation of the historic firehouse in 2003. In 2010, a grant from the Foundation for MetroWest allowed for the installation of high-quality projection equipment in TCAN's main performance hall, enabling film screenings and multimedia capabilities for performers and education. In late 2012, a grant from the Foundation for MetroWest allowed for a large-scale audio systems upgrade to the existing 10+ year old audio system and replaced it with a state-of-the-art system. Through this longtime support, Foundation for MetroWest has continued to partner with TCAN on its mission to sustain affordable arts access for the local community. 

Foundation for MetroWest connects philanthropic opportunity with demonstrated need in MetroWest. The Foundation promotes philanthropy in the region, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofit organizations, and enhances the quality of life for all of our citizens. For more information, visit www.FoundationforMetroWest.org.

The Center for Arts in Natick was founded in 1997 with a mission to bring people together through a common interest in the arts. Its initial success in a rented storefront became the foundation for a multi-year $2M capital campaign to purchase and restore Natick's historic Central Firehouse building, originally constructed in 1875, as a dedicated performance space and gallery. The firehouse provides a home for over 200 concert events annually, year-round children's theater and dance education programs, visual arts exhibits and receptions, and a thriving community theater organization.TCAN has since grown to become the MetroWest region's premiere nonprofit arts organization, with strong patron support from every town in the region. 

TCAN is an authorized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

Submitted by The Center for Arts in Natick.