The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON—Washington State Arts Council (ArtsWa) recently awarded a $5,000 support grant to the Touchet Valley Arts Council (TVAC) owner, and operator of Dayton’s historic Liberty Theater. ArtsWA, in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Commerce, made the CARES relief funding available to Washington State arts and cultural organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The review panel consisting of ArtsWA staff, ArtsWA commissioners, and community members evaluated applications based on financial need, arts and cultural programming, and the community served by the organization.

TVAC serves Columbia County and the surrounding area. The Liberty Theater is home to a first-run cinema, stage productions, guest artist concerts, lectures, foreign films, short-film festivals, civic events, and community forums.

The Liberty Theater has been closed since March due to state restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. TVAC and the Liberty Theater staff have taken steps during the shutdown to ensure patrons’ safety upon its reopening.