January 6, 2023

NEW BEDFORD – On Friday, in her final public appearance before leaving office, former Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced the Baker-Polito Administration awarded $2 million from the state’s federal ARPA funding to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center to support its capital campaign and redesign plan. This $2 million dollar infusion, coupled with a $1 million award in FY22 surplus state capital funds granted in July 2022, brings the state’s commitment to this project to $3 million. This funding will enable the Z to leverage more state, federal, and philanthropic funds, bringing the Z’s capital and redesign project a crucial step closer to finalization. These improvements will support the Z’s mission to develop in a way that will pay homage to its history while channeling the new energy driving New Bedford’s future.

Former Lt. Governor Polito announced the award Friday afternoon at the Zeiterion, alongside State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral, Senator Mark Montigny, members of the New Bedford legislative delegation, the Mayor’s Office, Rosemary Gill, President and CEO of the Zeiterion, and members of the Z’s Board of Trustees. Polito, who has been a longtime friend to New Bedford and other municipalities like it, spoke to the significance of the Zeiterion to the city’s cultural renaissance and economic development, and acknowledged the impressive work already done on the Z’s capital campaign by generous local donors and the fierce advocacy led by Rep. Cabral, Sen. Montigny, and members of the New Bedford delegation at the state level. In wrapping up her remarks, she shared that she was glad to spend her final public appearance as Lt. Governor at the Z, and she was looking forward to returning soon for a show.

“I would like to thank the Lt. Governor who has always been willing to listen as I promote show after show at the Zeiterion. She has been a strong advocate for the City of New Bedford and its economic and cultural recovery following the pandemic. The Z is at the heart of downtown and so much of the energy and excitement in New Bedford is fueled by events sponsored by the Z. This support will allow the Zeiterion to expand and strengthen its role in our community,” said State Representative Tony Cabral. “I will continue to fight for funding for the Zeiterion and I am hopeful that the new Administration will help the state match or even surpass the local contribution — but to get to this point, has truly been a collaborative effort involving our state and local officials, including Senator Montigny and Administration & Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan. Together, with the team at the Z, we have worked diligently to facilitate this conversation. I’m thrilled that the redevelopment of this historic theater is underway, and I’m extremely proud to play a part in bringing this project to life,” continued Rep. Cabral.

“Twenty years ago, the Zeiterion was on the verge of shuttering its doors for good, absent a direct infusion of state capital that I was fortunate to deliver as a young chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means,” said Senator Mark Montigny. “We’ve continued to deliver significant support year-after-year to help the theater grow into a driving force behind New Bedford’s arts and cultural renaissance. Now, we are delivering a multi-million-dollar state investment for an exciting renovation that will leverage private capital and infuse more energy into our recovering downtown, which will benefit the whole city in terms of job creation and increased revenues. I don’t think any of us serving on the original board in the 80s could have planned a better outlook for this historic venue. I thank my colleagues for their continued support on this project, and I look forward to additional opportunities to finally put this project over the finish line.”

“On behalf of the Board, staff and patrons of the Zeiterion I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Polito, the Baker Administration, Rep. Cabral and our New Bedford delegation for this amazing and critical investment in our capital campaign,” said Rosemary Gill, President and CEO of the Zeiterion. “With this appropriation, we are one step closer to making this project a reality for our loyal patrons, the City of New Bedford and the region. We are so excited for the next 100 years of performing arts at The Z.”

“Our mission through this capital campaign is to secure a bright future for the Zeiterion, so that generations to come can enjoy the same experiences we have all shared in this historic building, said Joseph Nauman, Zeiterion Board and Capital Campaign Co-Chair. “We are so fortunate to have partners in state and local government that understand the special role the Zeiterion plays in our community. It’s something that Lieutenant Governor Polito immediately appreciated. Working together, this true public-private partnership will be able to realize this important goal for New Bedford and beyond.”

New Bedford is rich in history, arts, and culture, which play a significant role in our community and economic development, and with this funding, the Zeiterion will continue to be a leader in historic preservation and the performing arts throughout the Commonwealth.