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Franklin County funds Harmony Project $100,000 to support Northland arts center programming
Summary
The board approved a $100,000 grant to Harmony Project Productions for operations and community arts programming at the Franklin County Harmony Center in Northland. Organization leaders described significant recent investment in the facility and an expanding student program.
Franklin County commissioners on Nov. 4 approved resolution 80825, authorizing a $100,000 grant to Harmony Project Productions Inc. to support operations of the Harmony Project student arts program, community arts programming and a volunteer services initiative serving immigrant, refugee and underserved students in the Northland neighborhood.
"We've put almost, I think, now this week, over $500,000 in grants and funding into the renovation of the space," David Brown, founder and creative director of Harmony Project, told the board, describing a full performance and 750 guests the prior evening and significant growth in student programming from 28 to about 160 children. Brown said limited bus funding caps some further growth.
Britney Hilliard, the county’s community partnerships coordinator, presented the resolution and noted Harmony Project’s role in providing arts education and performance experience to immigrant and refugee students. Deputy County Administrator Chris Long and other county staff emphasized that the building is county-owned with a long-term lease; Harmony Project has invested in interior renovations and the lease provides coordinated access for other local nonprofits.
Commissioners voted to adopt the grant. County staff said the award aligns with broader poverty-reduction and community-engagement goals and that the Harmony Center offers space for partner organizations at reduced or no cost.
