CLAREMONT – U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with Andrew Pinard, Executive Director of the Claremont Opera House, to discuss the impact of targeted federal stimulus through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program on their operations, and plans for the future. Rep. Kuster helped to secure critical funding for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program in the emergency COVID-19 relief legislation that was passed by Congress and signed into law last December, as well as through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The SVOG program provides Small Business Administration (SBA) grants to support entertainment, music, and art venues that were forced to shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Claremont Opera House received $57,171 in SVOG funds and a $6,400 PPP loan.

“The Claremont Opera House is an incredible resource for the Upper Valley, and is a key piece of the thriving live arts economy in New Hampshire,” said Rep. Kuster. “From broad community support for the Opera House to targeted federal funding from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, I was heartened to see the ongoing operations of the Opera House and to meet with Executive Director Andrew Pinard to discuss their plans for the future. I will continue advocating for New Hampshire live performance venues in Congress as we work together to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We deeply appreciate Representative Kuster’s commitment and support for the performing arts as we continue to adjust to the ongoing pandemic,” said Andrew Pinard, Executive Director of the Claremont Opera House. “As one of the first recipients in the State of New Hampshire to receive SVOG funding, the notification that we are eligible for supplemental funds will go a long way to ensuring that we can continue to bring the performing arts to Claremont and the surrounding region.”

Kuster is a fierce advocate for New Hampshire’s live-performance and entertainment venue industry in Congress. Last week, Kuster met with leadership from the Capitol Center for the Arts and Red River Theatre to discuss federal funding to support the entertainment industry as it continues to recover from COVID-19. Thanks to her work and advocacy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, New Hampshire venues have been awarded more than $23 million from the SVOG program.

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