PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed welcomed Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to Rhode Island to meet with community leaders, non-profit organizations, and local artists.

Senator Reed and Chair Jackson began their day-long tour of the Ocean State by participating in a summit at Rhode Island College with arts community leaders to discuss creative opportunities, issues impacting the arts community, and Rhode Island’s evolving arts landscape – from beautifying downtowns to arts education and a range of issues.

Reed and Jackson also celebrated $268,174 in federal funds from the NEA going to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists and schools across the Ocean State.  The grants are administered at the local level by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA).

“I am grateful to Senator Reed and his staff for the invitation to visit Rhode Island,” said Chair Jackson. “I believe strongly that the arts are at their most powerful when they are woven into the fabric of our lives and our communities. I appreciated the opportunity to explore this idea with Senator Reed and experience how local artists and arts organizations are supporting opportunities for all people to live artful lives in Rhode Island.”

“The arts and humanities have a profound impact on who we are and help drive community connections and economic development,” said Senator Reed, a key member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, which oversees NEA funding. “My predecessor, Senator Claiborne Pell, understood that the arts strengthen communities and the human spirit.  I’m proud to welcome NEA Chair Jackson to Rhode Island to showcase how our vibrant arts community is driving educational and economic opportunity and fostering civic engagement.  Modest investments in the arts can create priceless, enduring results.”

“We are grateful for Senator Reed’s leadership in the cultural caucus in Washington, D.C., and are proud that he continues the late Senator Pell's legacy in supporting the NEA,” said Lynne McCormack, Executive Director of RISCA. “It has been wonderful to have Chair Jackson join us in Rhode Island to share her experience and vision for the future of the arts in America, and how they contribute a sense of belonging and understanding.” 

Following the community conversation, which can be found in full on Senator Reed’s Facebook page, Reed and Jackson participated in a roundtable discussion on the intersection of arts and health and toured local arts organizations, including: Riverzedge Arts in Woonsocket; Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket; and the Providence Arts Club.

This year, Senator Reed helped secure $207 million for NEA in the 2023 Appropriations law, a $27 million boost over the previous year. 

Senator Reed, a long-standing champion of the arts in Rhode Island, hosts an annual High School Arts Competition for students across the state. Recently, he partnered with the NEA and NEH to host a workshop for Rhode Islanders interested in learning more about federal grant opportunities through the NEA and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). In 2023, NEA awarded $1.294 million to 14 Rhode Island-based arts and culture organizations. The allotment included $934,100 to help RISCA support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out the agency's NEA-approved strategic plan.

The NEA awards project-based grants through a competitive process to thousands of nonprofit organizations each year.  The agency also has a broad range of partnerships and special initiatives, research, and other efforts that contribute to the vitality and health of our neighborhoods and communities, engage our students and schools, and preserve and advance our American culture.  The NEA provides access to the arts in all 50 states and U.S. jurisdictions.

In 1965, former U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI) was a driving force behind the establishment of the National Endowment for the Arts.