Mosaic Templars Cultural Center Receives Grant for Construction of New Building
Monday, May 16, 2005
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – At a fundraiser this evening to benefit the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC), Constance Sarto, director of the Cultural Center, was pleased to announce that the museum has received a grant of $1,482,763 from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC). Combined with funds previously granted by the ANCRC, the money will allow the state to begin construction of a new facility to begin at the corner of West Ninth and Broadway Street in downtown Little Rock. Work had just begun in the renovations of the former 1911 Mosaic Templars of America Headquarters Building when it was destroyed by fire on March 16.
“The loss of the building that was such an important icon to all Arkansans, particularly African Americans, was like the sudden loss of a family member,” said Sarto, “but this grant allows us to move forward and continue plans for the museum, which will tell the inspiring story of the Mosaic Templars of America and African Americans in Arkansas.”
Cathie Matthews, director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, echoed Sarto’s enthusiasm over the ability to continue the work of the MTCC. “The story of the Mosaic Templars of America and the many contributions of African-Americans to Arkansas’s culture and business is an important part of our cultural story that needs to be shared, and I am so happy that the terrible fire and loss of the building will not stop us from telling that story.”
Sarto added that funds are still being sought for the facility. Current funding will only partially cover construction costs; additional funding is still needed to build the third floor Grand Ballroom, and to develop exhibits and programming for the Cultural Center. ‘An Evening of Jazz’, tonight, is the first in a series of fundraisers that are planned to help generate the additional money.
Work on the site is expected to begin in late fall.
Since 1975, the Department of Arkansas Heritage has been committed to the discovery, preservation and presentation of our state’s natural and cultural heritage. The department accomplishes its goals through the work of seven agencies: Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Historic Arkansas Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and Old State House Museum.
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