Kenneth C. Brennan, president and CEO of The Village Bank, announced today that the Bank has made a $15,000 commitment over three years in support of a “cultural tourism” initiative planned by the Newton Cultural Alliance (NCA) as a way to help stimulate local economic growth.

The NCA is a consortium of Newton-based non-profit arts and cultural organizations. The group recently received a $3,000 planning grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Adams Arts Program to get the local initiative – Culture ‘n Cuisine — underway. The Adams Arts Program funds projects that create jobs and income, revitalize downtowns, and draw cultural tourists.

Culture ‘n Cuisine will create a collaboration between NCA member organizations and the business community in an effort to increase revenue for both. The NCA hopes to partner local restaurants and the cultural groups, a plan that would include dining discounts offered in conjunction with community performances, events and activities. The NCA also hopes to develop additional arts and cultural partnerships with the business community of the area to further stimulate the economy and promote cultural tourism.

Former Newton Mayor Tom Concannon is chairman of the Newton Cultural Alliance. Members of the Alliance include Boston Ballet School, Cappella Clausura, Fine and Performing Arts Department of Newton North High School, Highland Glee Club, Highland Jazz, Historic Newton, New Art Center, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Newton Art Association, Newton Choral Society, Newton Country Players, Newton Open Studios, Newton Symphony Orchestra, NewTV, Suzuki School of Newton, Turtle Playhouse, West Suburban YMCA, and Zamir Chorale of Boston.

A History of Giving
Last year alone, The Village Bank invested over $227,000 in initiatives designed to improve and enhance life in the communities it serves, and over 80 Bank employees volunteered at more than 140 community events. In addition, the Bank’s Auburndale Community Charitable Foundation awarded $50,000 in college scholarships to 17 graduating high school seniors from Newton and Wayland in 2010.