Grants to benefit arts groups

Three area arts organizations have been awarded Local Assistance Grants through the New York State Council on the Arts. The funds will help enable the organizations to continue their work, according to State Sen. Mary Lou Rath, R-Williamsville.

The groups that received the funding are the Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo, MusicalFare Theatre, and Road Less Traveled Productions.

"These funds will allow these essential Western New York organizations to continue to maintain the levels of excellence that have become their hallmark," she said.

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo has received two grants totaling more than $6,000. The first grant is for the annual International Jewish Film Festival, which is in its 22nd season, and offers Jewish-themed films by independent filmmakers from around the world. The second grant will be used toward the Jewish Community Book Fair, a project that involves the collaboration and sponsorship of more than 30 local organizations.

MusicalFare Theatre and the Road Less Traveled Productions each received grants for their Mainstage Theatre seasons. These grants total more than $17,000.