BERLIN, N.H. — St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts has received a $15,000 operating support grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s North Country Region.

The award was made possible through the leadership support of the Art Ventures Fund for NNHF, an Anonymous Fund, Libby Family Fund, North Country Region community fund and the Stanton and Elisabeth Davis Fund.

The grant will support all program and operation areas and was awarded during a competitive grant cycle. It reflects the foundation’s mission to partner with selected New Hampshire nonprofits to achieve shared goals and community development efforts.

When considering grant applications, the staff and board of directors of the foundation focus on the broad goal of improving community well being, as well as the specific grant-making priorities established by the foundation and each of its seven regions.

“We are extremely honored to receive this important and generous grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and very much appreciate their on-going support. The Foundation clearly understands the value of the arts and the challenges currently facing all North Country nonprofits. Their grant investment will help us where funds are needed most and also help us attract matching investments from donors, members of the community, and corporate friends. This grant is critical to achieving our 2011 goals. We are thrilled,” said Executive Director Joan Chamberlain.

The new Arts and Cultural Heritage Series opens with the North Country Talent Showcase at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30.

A listing of events and membership information is available at the Arts Center, 155 Emery St., and at www.stkieranarts.org . For more information, call 752-1028.