NEW YORK - Congressman Charles Rangel congratulated the eleven organizations from his Northern Manhattan district that were among the nearly 800 recipients of National Endowment for the Arts grants awarded today.

"Our district has long been a center of art movements, tracing all the way back to the Harlem Renaissance. I am proud to witness the recognition of the world-renowned artistic tradition that continues to inspire us today," said Rangel.

Among the awardees included: Aaron Davis Hall, Inc., Columbia University in the City of New York, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Inc., El Taller Latino Americano, EmcArts Inc., Foundation for Dance Promotion, Gotham Arts Exchange, Inc., Los Pleneros de la 21, Inc., National Black Touring Circuit, Inc., Opus 118 Music Center, and Red Bull Theater Inc.

Over $25 million in funding was awarded to nearly 800 recipients in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Grants from NEA generate on average, six dollars from non-federal sources for every dollar awarded.

"Investment in the arts encourages people to express their creativity and serves as engines of job growth and development," Rangel said. "I look forward to experiencing the revival of our community's art industry as a result of these grants."