The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) today announced that three Delaware organizations will receive $729,100 in federal grants towards arts education and programming.
The recipients include The Grand Opera House, the Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Division of Arts.
"The variety and quality of these projects speaks to the wealth of creativity and diversity in our country," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "From Atlanta, Georgia to Sparks, Nevada, NEA funding reaches thousands of communities, assisting local organizations and providing access to the arts to all."
The Division of the Arts will receive $689,100 of the total, which will go towards carrying out an NEA-approved state plan to bolster arts programming.
"Representing 17% of the Division's budget, NEA funding is critical in supporting arts programming that directly reaches more than 30 communities throughout Delaware, serving more than 1 million youth and adults annually," said Paul Weagraff, director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. "This investment in Delaware's creative sector contributes positively to vibrant communities, comprehensive educational opportunities, and robust economic activity."
The Delaware Art Museum will receive a $25,000 Art Works grant towards its Bridging Perspectives series. These multidisciplinary performances tackle the history of the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary social justice issues.
"The NEA and Art Works grants support the arts and its ability to change lives and impact communities," said Sam Sweet, Delaware Art Museum executive director and CEO. "Bridging Perspectives is a new initiative at the Museum reflecting our vision to engage our community, promote conversation, and foster understanding. We are so pleased that this initiative has earned support that will enable the Museum to better serve our community."
The Grand Opera House will receive a $15,000 Art Works grant to support a series of live performance designed for children with autism or other sensory, social or learning disabilities.
"The Grand is proud to continue our new sensory friendly programming thanks to this generous gift from the NEA," said Mark Fields, executive director of the Grand Opera House. "Our mission urges us to be accessible to all residents of the Brandywine Valley, and this gift, our second NEA grant in two years, allows us to further develop this valuable and much-needed program."
