$1,000 to the Victoria Mansion, Portland, for Magic Lantern Shows

Three magic lantern shows (a popular form of entertainment in the 1890’s that involved projecting colored images on a screen accompanied by live music) will be presented as part of the Victoria Mansion’s yearlong celebration of life in Maine between 1890 and 1930. Victorian stories, songs, and games will be offered to engage both adults and children in activities of the era.

$1,000 to Opera House Arts at Stonington Opera House, Stonington, for ShakeStonington

This multi-week, multi-event community immersion project revolves around a production of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure at the Stonington Opera House. Activities in August 2010 include three public library “reads” of the play, a multimedia blog, a Twitter account exploring the language of the play, student writing internships, and two post-show discussions.

$1,000 to Portland Ovations, Portland, for Ovations Offstage: Maine Connections

Six pre-concert lectures between October 8, 2010 and May 7, 2011 will feature Maine performance artist/scholars drawing connections to Maine’s historic and contemporary role in the performing arts. Themes include the significance of music and dance for Maine’s French Canadian community, the legacy of Tony Montanaro, and the power of music for Maine’s African immigrants.