The Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program - the only local venue to receive funding, with a majority of grant awards going to downstate venues.

A total of 101 venues across 30 counties were awarded grants out of 392 applications received in Michigan. The state announced the awardees Thursday. Venues could apply to receive a one-time grant of up to $40,000 to be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or costs related to reopening a business. The Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program, administered in collaboration with the Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association (MIVPA), was launched to provide relief for Michigan’s live music and entertainment venues that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, $3.5 million in funding will be distributed to Michigan venues.

Though Old Town Playhouse was the only grant recipient in the five-county area, a handful of other northern Michigan organizations also received funding. The Blissfest Music Organization and Great Lakes Center for the Arts, both located in Emmet County, received $40,000 each. The Cheboygan Area Arts Council also received $40,000 in Cheboygan County.