National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $25 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2018. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $10,000 to Pipeline Theatre Company for our upcoming world premiere production of Folk Wandering (February 23 – March 18, Mezzanine Theatre at A.R.T./New York Theatres). The Art Works category is the NEA’s largest funding category and supports projects that focus on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and/or the strengthening of communities through the arts.
“It is energizing to see the impact that the arts are making throughout the United States. These NEA-supported projects, such as this one to Pipeline Theatre Company, are good examples of how the arts build stronger and more vibrant communities, improve well-being, and increase the quality of our lives,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “At the National Endowment for the Arts, we believe that all people should have access to the joy, opportunities and connections the arts bring.”
This marks the first NEA Art Works grant for Pipeline, as well as our single largest grant award to date, both huge and heartwarming milestones for the company. However this news is bitter sweet, as just yesterday we learned that the President’s FY19 budget proposes a complete elimination of the NEA, which could mean this first year will be the only year our small but mighty company and our vibrant and bold community of artists are able to receive this vital support. At Pipeline, our mission focuses on unbridling the imaginations of artists and audiences alike and provoking courage and compassion within our community. We’ve seen first hand the life changing power of the arts and the impact of government support on organizations, small and large, who do this important work. Pipeline cannot engage in advocacy, either directly or indirectly. We will, however, continue to stand alongside our friends at the NEA in the practice of educating about the NEA’s vital role in serving our nation’s communities. More on this from the NEA.
