Mercer Island’s Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN) and Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) notched Doors Open grants from King County’s 4Culture funding agency.

The two local cultural organizations are included in the initial round of grants headed toward 700-plus county institutions that total more than $165 million over the next three years. The funding consists of $150 million in Doors Open funds and $15 million of Lodging Tax funds, according to 4Culture.

On the Island front, 4Culture awarded YTN $69,700 and SJCC $50,000 in Arts Sustained Support funds.

“This funding will provide the transformational support the cultural sector needs to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and chronic underfunding,” 4Culture added about the full breadth of grant funding.

YTN Development Director Bailey Sipila said the organization is incredibly grateful to receive one of the grants, which will help arts communities thrive while they struggle to recover following the pandemic.

“This generous support provides a crucial boost and highlights the value of arts education in our community. We are deeply thankful to everyone who made this grant possible and recognize the years of action and advocacy it took to bring it to fruition,” Sipila said. “Every contribution brings us closer to ensuring that YTN can keep inspiring creativity and connection for years to come.”

Two of YTN’s mottoes listed on its website are “Given the opportunity, every child can shine!” and “Helping kids find their light since 1984.”

SJCC’s vision and mission, respectively, are, “To be the Puget Sound’s most open and welcoming community-centered Jewish organization” and “To offer experiences that amplify profound Jewish connections for every generation,” according to its website.

“We are deeply grateful to 4Culture and the leaders throughout our community who worked tirelessly to pass the Doors Open legislation,” said SJCC CEO Amy Lavin. “With this support, the SJCC Arts + Ideas program can continue to share performances, cinema, authors and thought leaders that spark joy, provoke thought and celebrate the richness of Jewish culture. This grant will allow us to build connections across our region, amplify the profound impact of the arts and foster community through stories and conversations that illuminate and inspire.”

Brian J. Carter, 4Culture’s executive director, said in a press release that the King County cultural sector is vibrant, diverse and expansive.

“It provides us with ways to uplift and support each other. It has the ability to reflect back to us our humanity, so we can find joy, face difficult truths, or have a few precious moments of reflection – the possibilities are endless,” Carter added.

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci added in the release that arts and culture are an essential part of healthy individuals and communities.