U.S. Sen. Susan Collins Sponsors National Endowment for the Arts at Workshop for Maine Nonprofit Arts Organizations

NEA Chairman Dana Gioia tours Maine and Portland arts organizations.

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) October 21, 2006 -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins sponsored a special workshop conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for local nonprofit community arts organizations on Oct. 13, 2006. The workshop was part of the agency's outreach to Maine arts organizations.

At a press conference before the workshop, NEA Chairman Dana Gioia explained the purpose of the workshop: "The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting the arts in communities throughout the country," said Chairman Gioia. "I am delighted to be here in Bangor today to encourage local arts organizations to apply for federal grants."

In a video-taped message, Sen. Collins spoke about the importance of the NEA: "Funding from the National Endowment for the Arts benefits and enriches our lives. Grants awarded by the NEA provide invaluable opportunities for residents here in Maine, and around our country, to experience and appreciate the arts and humanities."

John Rohman, Chair of the Maine Arts Commission (MAC), and Alden Wilson, Executive Director of MAC also spoke at the press conference, explaining the importance of the arts to the economy and quality of life in Maine. In addition, Theresa Secord, Director of the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance, and David Greenham, Producing Director of the Theater at Monmouth, explained the impact of NEA grants on their organization and their programming. Both have received multiple grants from the NEA.

The press conference and grants workshop were held at Bangor City Hall. Tony Chauveaux, NEA Deputy Chairman for Grants and Awards, led the free session, which included a discussion of federal opportunities for projects that:

provide hands-on learning in the arts for children and youth (pre-K to Grade 12) in schools, arts organizations, and community centers;

help preserve cultural traditions through documentation, publications, exhibits, apprenticeships, and conservation;

provide access to the arts in underserved communities; and

involve the creation or presentation of works of art, including performances, exhibitions, and festivals.

Following the press conference, Gioia toured the University of Maine Museum of Art in Bangor, where he viewed an upcoming exhibit that is part of the NEA’s American Masterpieces Initiative. Afterwards, he visited the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance in Old Town. The NEA has funded projects involving this organization for more than 15 years.

After a lunch with representatives of local arts organizations at the University of Maine, Orono, Chairman Gioia will travel to Portland, where he and Senator Collins will attend a reception for Portland arts leaders at the Portland Stage Company. During the reception, Portland Mayor James Cohen will present a proclamation declaring October 13 Arts and Humanities Day in Portland.

This year, the National Endowment for the Arts marks its 40th anniversary of leadership in the arts. The NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts – both new and established – bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the largest national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please visit www.arts.gov.

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