A local nonprofit organization that supports arts and culture in the Hilo community, which is largely run by volunteers, has received a grant to develop a mobile outdoor theater.
The East Hawaii Cultural Center, sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will build the new mobile outdoor theater under the moniker "The East Hawaii Cultural Center’s Livable Community Stage," according to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. The mobile stage will be built on the center’s property.
The AARP provided grants to seven Hawaii organizations, but the East Hawaii Cultural Center was the only Big Island club to receive AARP funding.
AARP Hawaii state director Keali'i Lopez said they partnered with these particular organizations for their commitment to improving their local communities.
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with these organizations as they work to make immediate improvements in their communities, encourage promising ideas and jump-start long-term change, especially for those age 50 and over,” Lopez told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. “Our goal at AARP Hawaii is to support the efforts of our communities to be great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.”
According to the East Hawaii Cultural Center, the objective for the mobile stage is to allow the organization to travel to parks, elder care facilities, schools and other locations to allow for an outdoor setting for social distancing.
The East Hawaii Cultural Center has supported arts and culture in the community for over 50 years with. Gallery hours Tuesday through Friday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is free to view exhibitions, but donations are accepted.