FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2007

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Calls for 2008 Coming Up Taller Award Nominations

For Excellence in After-School, Out-Of-School, and Summer
Arts and Humanities Programs for Young People
Deadline—January 31

WASHINGTON, DC—Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Coming Up Taller awards that recognize and reward outstanding after-school, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. The program, in its eleventh year, is sponsored by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. By honoring excellence in after-school, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs, the Coming Up Taller awards promote a creative, engaged, skilled, and confident generation of young people. Eligible museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, businesses, and eligible government entities are encouraged to participate.

Recipients of a Coming Up Taller award receive $10,000 at a special ceremony in Washington, DC, an individualized plaque, and an expense-paid invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. Click here for the nomination guidelines and application (PDF, 227KB).

At a previous Coming Up Taller awards ceremony, First Lady Laura Bush remarked, “…young people are discovering the humanities and the arts. They're developing the life skills and the discipline that leads to success. They're building the confidence to paint, dance, speak, and sing -- and in every one of their communities, to walk taller.”

Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. For more information: www.imls.gov.

President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
The President of the United States recognizes that the Nation’s cultural life contributes to the vibrancy of society and the strength of democracy. The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities helps to incorporate the arts and humanities into White House objectives. The Committee bridges federal agencies and the private sector. It recognizes cultural excellence, engages in research, initiates special projects, and stimulates private funding. Areas of current focus include programs in youth arts and humanities learning; preservation and conservation; special events; and expansion of international cultural relations. For more information: www.pcah.gov.

National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts 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 Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information: www.arts.gov.

National Endowment for the Humanities
Because democracy demands wisdom, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) serves and strengthens our Republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The Endowment accomplishes this mission by providing grants for high-quality humanities projects in four funding areas: preserving and providing access to cultural resources, education, research, and public programs. For more information: www.neh.gov.