Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday a $9 million federal grant program for nonprofit arts programs.

Nonprofit performing arts centers, performing groups and art schools are eligible if they can show that the grant will help them survive, especially if they were forced to close their doors amid the pandemic.

The grant application for nonprofits to apply to will be up online this Friday. The deadline is Nov. 3.

Noah Bloom, the executive of the Neighborhood Music School, has had to get creative since they closed the art school, home to 2,500 students, in March.

Bloom says the investment will provide some much-needed temporary relief for scholarships and faculty support.

Bloom says this money underscores Lamont's commitment to the arts throughout the state and the importance of performing arts in everyone's life.