Governor JB Pritzker is announcing $15-million in tourism grants, including $182,000 that will go for improvements to the Cedarhurst Center for the arts.
The grants are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the focus will be on local attractions and festivals in downstate communities. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton says the Illinois Tourism Industry offers so much to state residents and visitors.
“Tourist attractions and festivals are about more than fun, they are about history and community and sharing and preserving the rich and diverse stories that make Illinois a great place to live and visit. We keep those stories alive by supporting Illinois’ amazing tourism industry.”
The grant for Cedarhurst Center for the Arts improvements is going to the John and Eleanor Mitchell Foundation. It will support capital improvements including ADA upgrades, sculpture preservation, and building renovations.
The city of Sesser is scheduled to receive $148,925 for support for the Sesser Opera House renovations.
Previoulsy, $10-million was awarded for 41 projects. Applications are now being accepted for the second round. More information is available online via the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.
