New London — During a Monday press conference at the Garde Arts Center, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal spoke about the importance of theaters and the funding to help struggling arts venues that has been included in the recently approved federal COVID-19 relief package.

Blumenthal said he fought passionately for the inclusion of the Save Our Stages Act in the $900-billion coronavirus rescue package. With that act, $15 billion of the $285 billion Paycheck Protection Program is being set aside for entertainment venues.

Live venues, independent movie theaters and cultural institutions can apply for grants, which will be disbursed through the Small Business Administration. In the first 14 days of the eligibility period, funds would go to those who can show losses of 90% of their gross revenue because of COVID. The next 14 days would be for those who can show losses of 70%.

Blumenthal said the Save Our Stages funding “is not just taxpayer money. It’s an investment. It's an investment in our future.”

Blumenthal said that this won’t be the last financial help provided to theaters; he expects there to be more assistance from the federal government down the line. He noted that Save Our Stages had bipartisan support. The bill was co-sponsored by senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

Blumenthal referenced comments earlier in the press conference by Garde Executive Director Steve Sigel, New London Mayor Michael Passero and State Rep. Anthony Nolan about the role that the Garde plays in bringing people together and providing them with enriching experiences.

“Connecticut is blessed with great theaters. It’s part of our cultural DNA,” Blumenthal said.

He also pointed out that theaters are real economic drivers. They are sources of jobs, but their impact expands beyond the site. People who come to the Garde, for instance, might go out to eat first or might stop at a nearby shop.

Blumenthal discussed the hardships endured by organizations like the Garde that haven't been able to stage a show or bring in audiences since March.

Passero told Blumenthal, “Before you got here, I took a walk around, and — I have to really do this without getting emotional — this place means so much to this community and this city.”

Passero reminisced about coming to the Garde’s popular Winter Cinema Series and about how people would meet each other at the theater.

He said the support of the state and federal governments is so important in helping a vital institution like the Garde to survive during the pandemic.

Nolan and Sigel likewise mentioned that the Garde brings people together and connects people from surrounding towns.

When the Garde reopens, Sigel said, it and other venues like it will perform a civic responsibility “to heal the nation” by gathering people of all different backgrounds — economic, educational, political, rural/urban — to celebrate “our common humanity.” When people assemble to celebrate the experience of seeing a concert or a theater performance together, Sigel said, it bonds and ennobles us and reminds us we are one nation.

k.dorsey@theday.com