|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
||||
Rep. Vern Buchanan Hosts National Endowment for the Arts
|
 |
Contact: |
|
Washington, D.C. –– U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-13) today hosted a special workshop conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for local nonprofit organizations. The workshop was part of the agency's outreach to Florida's non-profit organizations to inform them about federal arts funding opportunities.
At a news conference prior to the workshop, Felicia Knight, NEA's Director of Communications, explained the purpose of the workshop: "The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting the arts in communities throughout the United States. I am delighted to be here in Sarasota today to encourage local arts organizations to apply for federal arts grants."
"The local arts are important to our economy and our quality of life," said Congressman Buchanan. "They educate, entertain, and help set us apart from other coastal communities in Florida. Federal resources are available to encourage and support the arts and bring them to underserved populations. This workshop will help local organizations access those funds."
Also participating in the news conference were Dr. John Wetenhall, Executive Director of the Ringling Museum of Art, and Margaret Wise, a Florida Arts Council Officer, who spoke on the importance of NEA funding to the arts in Florida. Forty percent of all Arts Endowment funds go to the state arts agencies.
The news conference and grants workshop were held at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Mario Garcia Durham, NEA's Director of Presenting, led the free workshop, 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.
Following the news conference, Dr. Wetenhall gave Felicia Knight a tour of the Ringling Museum of Art.
The NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts -- both new and established -- 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 annual national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, and U.S. territories, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases.
Return to News Index
National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506
