Washington, DC – Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced $123,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant funding for Rhode Island arts organizations and programs. These competitive grants were awarded to organizations that contribute to the cultural and economic development of the state through the arts. This is NEA’s first round of FY2014 competitive grant awards.
“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 young people and supporting artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation in communities across the state.”
“Rhode Island’s arts community plays an important role in the revitalization of our economy,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA. “I’m proud to announce these grants, which will help some of our most talented arts organizations continue to enrich our state’s robust arts scene and provide important arts education programs for our youth.”
“I am so proud of Rhode Island’s vibrant arts community, and I know these grants will be put to good use,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “Not only are the arts a major draw for tourism, and therefore a significant part of our economy, but they are also critical to education. The arts keep our students engaged and energized, and I am glad to see the list of recipients include agencies that provide arts education opportunities.”
“I am delighted to join with the delegation to announce this competitive grant award to the organizations in Rhode Island that do so much to help our young people get involved in the arts and build upon the great programs that are already at work,” said Congressman Cicilline. “The Alliance of Artists Communities in Providence, RI, Everett Dance Theatre in Providence, RI, and RiverzEdge Arts Project Inc. in Woonsocket, RI are providing essential avenues to build a robust artistic community in Rhode Island and I am delighted to help them continue to do this important work.”
This first round of NEA FY2014 competitive grants were awarded to organizations across the country that support the creation and presentation of artistically excellent work, both new and established. Projects include commissions, residencies, rehearsals, workshops, performances, exhibitions, publications, festivals, training programs and literature fellowships. Over $23 million was awarded during the first round, which included over $1.6 million to arts education projects. Grants from the NEA generate, on average, $9 from non-federal sources for each $1 awarded.
The following Rhode Island organizations received NEA funding:
Alliance of Artists Communities; Providence, RI – $40,000 to support the research and publication of “Artist Residencies and Social Practice
Everett Dance Theatre; Providence, RI – $15,000 to support “The Freedom Project,” a new multidisciplinary performance about the American prison system
RiverzEdge Arts Project Inc.; Woonsocket, RI – $23,000 to support the Studio Arts & Enterprise Projects
FirstWorks; Providence, RI – $20,000 to support the multidisciplinary Cross-Wired series
New Urban Arts; Providence, RI – $15,000 to support the Youth Mentorship in the Arts program and the Summer Art Inquiry program for teens
Trinity Repertory Company; Providence, RI – $10,000 to support a new production of “Oliver!,” Lionel Bart’s classical musical inspired by Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist with direction by Sharon and Richard Jenkins.
###
