FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Deadline for 2011 Nominations – January 31

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites nominations for the 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program (NAHYP), which is the Nation’s highest honor for out-of-school, afterschool, and summer arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America’s youth, particularly those from underserved communities. The NAHYP Awards are a signature initiative of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) in partnership with IMLS, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). IMLS and its partners encourage programs initiated by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, educational institutions (e.g., preschools; elementary, middle, and high schools; universities; and colleges), arts centers, community service organizations, businesses, and eligible government entities to participate. Click here for the online application.

Each year, the NAHYP Awards recognize and support excellence in programs that open new pathways to learning, self-discovery, and achievement, in addition to presenting high-quality arts and humanities learning opportunities. The twelve award recipients of 2011 will receive $10,000 each, an individualized plaque, and an opportunity to attend the Annual Awardee Conference in Washington, DC where they receive capacity-building and communications support designed to strengthen their organization.

Pictured: Joshua Heim, Exhibits Developer and King Lau, Youth Participant, of the Wing Luke Asian Museum YouthCAN program with Michelle Obama. Click image for a larger view.

On Wednesday, October 20, First Lady Michelle Obama honored the 2010 awardees at ceremony held at the White House. The awardees were lauded by Mrs. Obama for engaging youth in the arts and the humanities and generating a broad range of positive outcomes.   

"This year’s awardees are shining examples of using success in the arts and humanities as a bridge to success in life," said Mrs. Obama. "Through them, our young people are not only discovering new talents and finding their creative voices, but also becoming better students, better leaders, and better citizens. It’s not a surprise that most of the young people participating in these programs, including those in some of our most at-risk communities, graduate from high-school and go on to college." Click here for the full 2010 White House ceremony video

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
The President of the United States recognizes that the Nation’s cultural life contributes to the vibrancy of society and the strength of democracy. The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities helps to incorporate the arts and humanities into White House objectives. The Committee bridges federal agencies and the private sector. It recognizes cultural excellence, engages in research, initiates special projects, and stimulates private funding. Areas of current focus include programs in youth arts and humanities learning; preservation and conservation; special events; and expansion of international cultural relations. For more information: www.pcah.gov.

National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information: www.arts.gov.

National Endowment for the Humanities
Because democracy demands wisdom, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) serves and strengthens our Republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The Endowment accomplishes this mission by providing grants for high-quality humanities projects in four funding areas: preserving and providing access to cultural resources, education, research, and public programs. For more information: www.neh.gov.