Rep. Ray LaHood Hosts National Endowment for the Arts at Workshop for Illinois Nonprofit Arts Organizations

		Contact: Liz Stark (NEA) 202.682.5744 Wade Dooley (Rep. LaHood) 309-671-7027

Arts and community groups learn more about NEA grant process

July 7, 2006

Washington, D.C. – Representative Ray LaHood of Illinois's 18th District today hosted a special workshop conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for local nonprofit arts organizations. The workshop was part of the agency's outreach to Illinois arts organizations to inform them about federal arts funding opportunities.

At a press conference before the workshop, NEA Senior Deputy Chairman Eileen Mason explained the purpose of the workshop. "The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting the arts in communities throughout the country," said Ms. Mason. "I am delighted to be here in Peoria today to encourage local arts organizations to apply for federal arts grants."

"The arts are an important part of every community," said Rep. LaHood. "With this assistance from the NEA, the arts will be kept alive and well for future generations in Central Illinois."

Also participating in the news conference was Jim Richerson, President and CEO of Lakeview Museum, who spoke about the NEA funding the museum has received and its impact on the museum's programming. Terry A. Scrogum, Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Council, also spoke, describing the importance of the state arts agencies's partnership with the NEA and the invaluable contribution of the arts to the quality of life in Illinois.

The press conference and grants workshop were held at the Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences. NEA Deputy Chairman Mason and Patrice Walker Powell, NEA Director of Challenge America and Local Arts Agencies, led the free session, which included a discussion of federal opportunities for projects that:

• provide hands-on learning in the arts for children and youth (pre-K to Grade 12) in schools, arts organizations, and community centers;

• help preserve cultural traditions through documentation, publications, exhibits, apprenticeships, and conservation;

• provide access to the arts in underserved communities; and

• involve the creation or presentation of works of art, including performances, exhibitions, and festivals.

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.

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