Some Central and South Coast performing arts venues hard hid by the pandemic are getting federal relief grants. More than $27 million is going to more than 40 organizations and businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties through Shuttered Venue Operators Grants.
Democratic Congressman Salud Carbajal of Santa Barbara, who was a booster of the effort, received a list of the region’s recipients.
The Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles is getting $3.4 million. The Santa Barbara Bowl will get $1.9 million, UC Santa Barbara $1.3 million and Santa Barbara’s Ensemble Theater will receive $225,000. Ventura Rubicon Theater is receiving $132,000 through the program.
Some businesses are also getting relief, with Santa Barbara’s Red Piano receiving $432,000 and Santa Barbara’s SOHO getting nearly $350,000.
The grant program is focused on helping non-profits and businesses in the entertainment and live music sectors, hit by the pandemic, save and create jobs.
