Dana Gioia Confirmed as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

January 30, 2003

		Contact: Victoria Hutter 202-682-5570

Washington, D.C. - Dana Gioia, nominated by President George W. Bush as the ninth Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on January 29, 2003. Upon his confirmation Mr. Gioia said:

"I am honored by the Senate's vote of confirmation. Now I am eager to get started. Leading the National Endowment for the Arts is a great privilege and an enormous responsibility. Both the arts and arts education face many challenges at present, and the Endowment has much to do."

Mr. Gioia plans to assume office in early February. He is currently in California completing a book of literary essays and an opera libretto.

Mr. Gioia succeeds Michael P. Hammond as Chairman. Mr. Hammond assumed office on January 22, 2002 but passed away shortly after on January 29. Eileen B. Mason, who was appointed Senior Deputy Chairman by the Bush Administration, has been leading the agency since that time.

Please see Dana Gioia's biography.

Mr. Gioia will not be available immediately for media interviews.

For more information, contact the NEA Office of Communications at 202-682-5570.

Return to News Index

National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506