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Rep. Christopher Shays Hosts National Endowment for the Arts at Workshop for Connecticut Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Shays and Gioia Tour Fourth District Arts Organizations May 30, 2006 Washington, D.C. – Representative Christopher Shays of Connecticut's Fourth District today hosted a special workshop conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for local nonprofit community arts organizations. The workshop was part of the agency's outreach to Connecticut arts organizations to inform them about federal funding opportunities and to encourage them to apply for Arts Endowment grants. At a press conference before the workshop, NEA Chairman Dana Gioia explained the purpose of the workshop. "The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting the arts in communities throughout the country," said Chairman Gioia. "I am delighted to be here in New Canaan today to encourage local arts organizations to apply for federal grants." Jennifer Aniskovich, Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism also spoke at the press conference, explaining the importance of the arts to the economy and quality of life in Connecticut. Rep. Shays also invited two arts organizations to speak at the press conference. Dr. Donald Rainone of the Music and Arts Center for Humanity of Bridgeport and Elaine Carroll of the Stamford Symphony Orchestra explained the importance of NEA grants on their organization and their programming. Both have received multiple grants from the NEA. "Because I grew up in an arts family, I know the arts make a significant impact in our lives," said Rep. Shays. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring the NEA up to the Fourth Congressional District to see the good work our local artists produce." The press conference and grants workshop were held at the Silvermine Guild Arts Center. NEA State and Regional Director John Ostrout led the free session, which included a discussion of federal opportunities for projects that:
Following the press conference, Gioia, Shays, and Aniskovich toured the Westport Country Playhouse and the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. This year, the National Endowment for the Arts marks its 40th anniversary of leadership in the arts. The NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts – both new and established – bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the largest national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please visit www.arts.gov.
National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency |
