National Endowment for the Arts funds several Philadelphia dance companies
Nov 19th, 2011 | By Steven Weisz | Category: The Creative Economy
At a public panel discussion in Rapid City, South Dakota, National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman announced that the agency will award 863 grants to organizations and individual writers across the country. The awards total $22.543 million, encompass 15 artistic disciplines and fields, and support projects in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Of those 863 grants awards, 823 are for projects at not-for-profit organizations that are creating works of art through commissions and artists residencies; engaging the public with works of art through exhibitions, tours, and festivals; furthering lifelong learning in the arts in schools, communities, and at arts organizations; or increasing community livability through the arts.
“Art Works is the guiding principle at the NEA,” said agency Chairman Rocco Landesman. “And I’m pleased to see that principle represented through the 823 Art Works-funded projects included in this announcement. These projects demonstrate the imaginative and innovative capacities of artists and arts organizations to enhance the quality of life in their communities.”
Amongst the Philadelphia dance community recipients were …
Headlong Dance Theater – $10,000
To support the creation and presentation of the Citizens Dance Project, in which Headlong co-directors will work with a team of artists and thinkers to create contemporary dances on non-dancers who live in Philadelphia. The works will be performed in the homes of the non-dancers, which will include a meal prepared by the residents and performers.
Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble (aka Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemlbe) – $15,000
To support Dance to the Rhythm of the Drum: A Celebration of African Dance & Drumming. The project will explore the interaction between Afro-Cuban and Guinean dance traditions through workshops led by choreographers Danys Perez (Afro Cuban) and Moustapha Bangoura (Guinean).
Pennsylvania Ballet – $20,000
To support the presentation of Peter Pan, choreographed by Trey McIntyre. The project will include the company’s Accent on Dance outreach and education program.
A complete list of Philadelphia recipients can be found on the Creative Philadelphia blog at
http://creativephl.org/post/12974721013/philadelphia-arts-organizations-receive-685-5k-from
