Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Young Musicians, Inc., in Evanston awarded grant from the National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts announced today that Young Musicians, Inc., of Evanston is the recipient of a $10,000 Challenge America Fast-Track grant. The funding will “support the Music, Arts & Technology Camp. In addition to leading classes for youth and adults, professional camp staff will perform a concert for the community. Proposed artists include saxophonist Michael Giles, violinist Jeremy Starr, bassoonist Michele Hustedt, and tubist Joe Jensen.”

As National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman has noted, "Art works everywhere," which is why the agency's Challenge America Fast-Track (CAFT) program supports projects from primarily small and mid-sized arts organizations that extend the reach of the arts to underserved audiences-those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Chairman Landesman announced today that 162 Challenge America grants totaling $1,620,000 will be awarded to organizations in 46 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"Taken together, these Challenge America Fast-Track grants provide an extraordinary sampling of the work that arts organizations do to reach underserved communities," said Chairman Landesman. "With these grants, we are helping to ensure that art works for all Americans."

Along with not-for-profit arts organizations, grantees in this announcement include a community housing authority, municipal tourism department, state mining and technology institute, and social service agency-all using the arts to engage audiences and make their communities more livable. In addition, among the 162 grantees, 47 or about 30 percent are first-time grantees to the NEA, a significant number that demonstrates the program's important gateway role.

Please see the complete listing of CAFT projects: http://www.arts.gov/grants/recent/12grants/12cham.php?disc=Challenge%20America

The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. To join the discussion on how art works, visit the NEA at www.arts.gov

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