Congresswoman Kelly Announces Grants for Arts Programs

Press Release

Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced today that Governors State University and the South Chicago Art Center each received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

"One grant will expand arts programs for schoolchildren on Chicago's South Side. The other will bring some of the world's greatest dancers and choreographers to the south suburbs," Kelly said. "I support the arts because they bring beauty into our lives and strengthen our ties as people."

Governors State University's $10,000 grant will fund a local performance by the Philadelphia Dance Company as well as new dances by a diverse set of international choreographers.

"We are honored that the NEA has recognized GSU's commitment to art. All students, no matter what their majors, benefit from integrating the visual and performing arts into their daily lives," said GSU President Elaine Maimon.

Meanwhile, the South Chicago Art Center received $20,000 to provide free art instruction by professional art educators in a variety of mediums during school hours, after-school and on weekends at local community centers, libraries and schools. The programs will target inner-city, low-income youth, in addition to the out-of-school and in-school programs such as Street SmARTs and School SmARTs.

"The South Chicago Art Center is thrilled to receive $20,000 to support free arts programming to young people. In addition to the financial support, this grant is also a significant endorsement of the vital work we do every day in the South Chicago neighborhood," said Sarah Ward, executive director of the South Chicago Art Center.

NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, it has awarded more than $5 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.

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