Washington, DC – Rhode Island’s congressional delegation today announced that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded a total of $218,000 in funding for arts organizations in the state. The funding will support the Rhode Island arts community and organizations that offer arts education to Rhode Island residents.
“This federal funding will help support local artists and bolster economic development and education through the arts,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees NEA’s budget. “By combining federal grants with state and local funds and private donations, we are expanding opportunities for our youth and ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to the arts.”
“The Rhode Island arts community enhances the quality of life in our state, and contributes greatly to our local economy,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA. “These grants will support local arts organizations and help art education programs continue to grow. The recipients contribute in important ways to our state, and I pledge to keep fighting for continued funding for our outstanding arts community.”
“We cannot ignore the importance of giving our students educational opportunities in art and design, recognizing both the economic activity created by our state’s vibrant arts community and the importance of harnessing the creativity of our current and future workforce. It’s wonderful to see these exciting initiatives in Rhode Island gaining national attention,” said Langevin who is working on the STEM to STEAM initiative with the Rhode Island School of Design to make art and design part of STEM education.
“As a longtime advocate for robust funding of arts and humanities programs, I know the significant impact these funds will have on Rhode Island in terms of economic development, job creation, and cultural enrichment,” said Cicilline. “I will continue working along with the rest of the delegation to deliver effective federal support for our local arts community.”
The following Rhode Island organizations received NEA grants for FY 2013:
The Alliance of Artistic Communities, Providence
$75,000 to support the research and publication of Artists Communities: Assessing Impact. This study will focus on the role residencies play for artists and communities. Combined with workshops and training activities, this project will benefit as many as 6,500 artists.
RiverzEdge Arts Project Inc., Woonsocket
$18,000 to support the Studio Arts and Enterprise Project. Students will work with master teaching artists while being paid stipends to create client portfolios and community works.
FirstWorks, Providence
$45,000 to support the ART SPARKS inaugural performance and education series. The project will present Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Kronos Quartet in a series of performances and engagement activities. ART SPARKS will serve approximately 10,000 adults and youth in three underserved Rhode Island communities.
New Urban Arts, Providence
$20,000 to support the Youth Mentorship in the Arts program and the Summer Art Inquiry program for teens
Providence City Arts for Youth, Inc.
$35,000 to support year-round afterschool and summer arts learning in a variety of disciplines that offers urban youth time to practice and create in studios with professional artist mentors
Trinity Repertory Company, Providence
$25,000 to support the development and world premiere of Social Creatures, a new play written by Jackie Sibblies Drury and Directed by Curt Columbus. The play examines ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, using dark humor and extreme circumstances to examine the extent to which humans are defined by their environment and social connections. The production will be supported by a wide range of learning opportunities,including post-show discussions, articles, and interviews, and is expected to be seen by an audience of 8,250 at the Dowling Theater in Providence.
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