Cicilline, VSA arts announce grant to fund Central Falls film program

PAWTUCKET – U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline joined VSA Arts Rhode Island at the Central Falls Public Library Thursday morning to announce a $10,000 grant through the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Education Grant Program.

The grant will support “CF Cinema: Our Story,” a yearlong artist-in-residency education program helping students create a documentary film about their experiences at Central Falls High School.

“This grant will help build upon the strides in student education and institutional development that Central Falls High School has made in recent years, and I am delighted to help recognize that progress with this award,” said Cicilline. “I applaud VSA Arts Rhode Island on their successful grant application, as well as their ongoing work to enrich the lives of Rhode Islanders living with disabilities.”

Prior to his election as mayor of Providence, Cicilline served as board chairman for VSA Arts – a statewide nonprofit arts education organization – and during his time in Congress has supported appropriations funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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Students participating in the “CF Cinema” program will learn how to make a film; develop critical thinking, communication and leadership skills; and earn credit towards graduation through the Central Falls “Extended Learning Opportunity” system, according to a release from Cicilline’s office.

“VSA arts R.I.’s digital-media education programs provide an intensive, interactive approach to learning in an innovative manner,” said Jeannine L. Chartier, executive and artistic director for VSA arts. “We are both pleased and fortunate to be recognized by such a committed and respected organization as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for funding. This story is not just about what happened in one small school, but ultimately about education and about the need for change in education across America.”

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