The state Department of Economic and Community Development is granting more than $9 million in COVID relief to theaters and arts organizations across Connecticut.

More than 150 arts organizations from across Connecticut enjoyed a much-needed second wind Tuesday, thanks to the state's COVID relief Fund For The Arts.

The grant was limited to arts nonprofits that can show a 20% year-to-year drop in revenue.

State and local leaders joined arts directors in a virtual press conference to celebrate. Representatives from local theaters say this aid is more needed than ever, in a year when they've been forced to adapt to survive.

Michael Barker, managing director of the Westport Country Playhouse, says these organizations aren't just cultural drivers; they're economic ones too.

"The Playhouse, like so many businesses, had to furlough a large number of our staff -- over half," said Barker. "We canceled projects that would employ more than 100 freelance artists in the tri-state area and elsewhere, and we hardened our finances because we didn't know how long it was going to be. This grant is the shot in the arm we needed not to harden our finances any further."

While the grant will go a long way, he says they're not out of the woods yet.