WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced over $176,000 in federal funding for Rhode Island organizations from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). 

$136,000 in NEA funding will go to five recipients in Rhode Island for theatre productions, research, and instruction and mentorships programming for young people.  $40,322 in competitive grants from the NEH will go to three recipients for digital projects and preservation.

“I am pleased that Rhode Island arts and humanities organizations have been selected to receive these federal grants to help build stronger communities and boost economic growth and education through the arts and cultural engagement,” said Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior & Environment, who has led efforts in Congress to support NEA and NEH funding.  This summer, Senator Reed brought NEA Chairman Jane Chu to Rhode Island to meet with members of Rhode Island’s arts community.

“In Rhode Island, we have top-notch arts and humanities groups,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA.  “That’s why I’m glad to see this federal funding come to Rhode Island.  It will strengthen organizations that make Rhode Island such a vibrant and distinctive place, and provide an important boost to our economy.”

“Rhode Island’s vibrant arts scene is a huge part of what makes this state an exciting place to live and visit,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.  “These federal funds will further enhance an already-thriving industry. I am particularly pleased to see a strong focus on youth programming, inspiring the next generation of talent in the Ocean State.”

“Rhode Island arts and humanities organizations support creative thinking, enhance culture, and provide significant economic benefits to cities and towns throughout the state,” said Congressman David Cicilline.  “As a longtime advocate for robust arts and humanities programs, I’m delighted these funds will provide effective federal support to enrich Rhode Island communities.”

The arts grants are among the first to be issued this fiscal year following the NEA’s review of over 3,400 applications for funding.  NEA Chairman Jane Chu said, “Since coming to the NEA, I have met with many NEA grantees and have seen first-hand the positive impact they have on their communities.  These new projects will continue to demonstrate the power the arts have to deepen value, build connections, and foster an atmosphere of creativity and innovation both at the community level and with individuals throughout the nation.”

The NEA and NEH were established through legislation championed by former Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell.

NEA recipients include:

The Everett Company (in partnership with Brown University) – $10,000 for Everett’s “Freedom Project” theatre production;

The Alliance of Artists Communities – $40,000 for research into connections between art and science;

The Trinity Repertory Company – $20,000 for a theatre production;

Providence City Arts for Youth, Inc. – $55,000 for instruction and mentorships in music, dance, theater, creative writing, visual arts, and design;

New Urban Arts – $11,000 for instruction in photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, fashion design, printmaking, screen-printing, poetry/spoken-word, video, and digital media.

 

NEH recipients include:

Brown University – $29,755 for a digital history project entitled, “Exploring the Four Elements: Toward a Digital Environmental History of the Americas”;

Newport Art Museum and Art Association – $4,984 to improve lighting at the Newport Art Museum;

Preserve Rhode Island – $5,583 to develop an environmental monitoring program for the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum.

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