Manchin and Capito Announce More Than $700,000 for Community Art Programs Across West Virginia

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced a total of $703,600 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to West Virginia nonprofit and art organizations. The funding will be used to preserve the Mountain State's cultural heritage and expand opportunities for residents and to experience and participate in the arts.

"Our rich, cultural heritage is an important part of who we are as West Virginians, and the resources provided by NEA allow us to better experience and share our unique Appalachian history and traditions," Senator Manchin said. "Most importantly, this funding will help introduce traditional music and the arts into the lives of our kids, giving them a chance to express themselves in different ways while paving a clearer path to future success."

"West Virginia is a state rich with creative spirit and proud traditions. These funds will help strengthen and nurture the arts in West Virginia and contribute to the cultural, educational and economic development of our state," said Senator Capito.

Established in 1965, NEA has funded programs that support arts education, sustains and celebrates our nation's rich and diverse cultural heritage, and promotes equal access to the arts in every community across America. For Fiscal Year 2015, NEA will make 1,023 awards totaling $74,326,900 to nonprofit art and design organizations in all 50 states plus five U.S. jurisdictions.

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