LaGRANGE – The LaFayette Society of Performing Arts has become a mainstay of the community over the course of its 37 years of performances, ranging from ballet to theater to orchestral groups who have played a central role in the community’s reputation as a community of art lovers.

Unfortunately, more than ticket sales are needed to keep the lights on at the bustling building on Bull Street, which is why LSPA’s Director of Development Jennifer Shook went before the city council on Tuesday night to request an additional $10,000 to the money that the city already grants the society on an annual basis.

“LSPA wants to give even more back to the LaGrange which we serve,” said Shook. “Historically, the city has provided $5,500 in grant funding to assist LSPA in offsetting utility costs. For this we are truly grateful. In 2016, LSPA spent a total of $22,835 on utilities to the City of LaGrange for our 9,000 square foot space on Bull Street.”

Shook referenced the group’s 41 free community performances as well as its community programs as reasons for the city to consider the additional funding, but she emphasized that regardless of the city’s decision, the LSPA still plans to keep performing reaching out to the community and spreading a love for music and theater because that is the heart of the society’s mission.

“We believe that it is important for our organization to continue offering events that are free to the public as part of our outreach efforts because the arts deserve to be enjoyed by everyone, not just those who can afford to purchase a ticket to an in-seat production,” said Shook.

The council did not make a decision on LSPA funding during the meeting, but it may be discussed during the city’s budget meeting on May 23 beginning at 8 a.m.

To learn more about the LSPA and its programs visit http://www.lsparts.org