One on One with the NEA

Local Federal Funding Available

     For more than forty years, the National Endowment for the Arts

 (NEA) has supported the nation’s arts communities by providing

 grants, creating programs and acting as an advocate for a variety of

 arts-related causes.  Soon after the establishment of the NEA, the

 organization that would become the Georgia Council for the Arts was

 created and – since that time – the two agencies have had a

 mutually beneficial and productive relationship. 

Recently, U. S. Congressman Phil Gingrey invited NEA Chairman Dana Gioia to visit Georgia and tour local arts organizations.  In addition to hosting a press conference, representatives of the NEA  also presented a grants workshop. The event was attended by

 almost two hundred representatives of Georgia’s arts community,

 funding agencies and the media.  During the workshop,  NEA

 representatives presented useful advice and helpful suggestions

 regarding the federal application process for multiple programs

 including Arts Education and Traditional Arts; and national initiatives  including American Masterpieces, Jazz Masters, and Great

 American Voices.  An additional initiative, The Big Read, already has

 the participation of multiple Georgia communities. 

Susan Weiner, GCA Executive Director, was invited to participate in the press conference as well as the tour of arts organizations, which included clients of the agency.  “Participating in the press conference was an honor,” states Weiner,

 “Seeing the restoration work at the Strand Theatre and hearing about

 the success of the Cobb Energy Center was gratifying, as was

 touring the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre and Theatre on the Square,

 two of GCA’s clients.” Weiner was also pleased to have the

 opportunity to publicly thank the NEA for increasing its latest grant

 award to GCA by more than $100,000.  “Chairman Gioia had a first-

 hand look at the good work of Georgia’s nonprofit arts industry.” 

 More information about the National Endowment for the Arts

  initiatives and programs is available via the agency’s website.

 Photo, Above Top:  Susan Weiner talks with NEA Chairman Dana Gioia before the

 press conference

 Photo, Above Bottom:  Attendees of the NEA Grants Workshop express their

 enthusiasm for the information presented.

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 More Newsletter Articles:

• Board Professionals:  An Introduction to the

          GCA Advisory Board

• The Future of Funding: Nonprofits vs. the Economy
• Notes from the Field: A Winning Strategy
• End Notes: Useful Information & Interesting Items