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Giuliana Bullard, gbullard@imls.gov
2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards Finalists Announced
Award is nation’s highest honor for out-of-school arts and humanities programs
Washington, D.C.--The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and its cultural partners, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, are proud to recognize 50 exceptional programs for their work in providing rich arts and humanities learning opportunities for young people. The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award is the nation's highest honor for out-of-school arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America's young people, particularly those from underserved communities.
From small towns to big cities, the 2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award Finalists reflect the diversity of disciplines and settings of these wonderful programs that are taking place from coast to coast. A list of the 50 finalist programs is available at the NAHYP website.
Among the finalists are seven programs of museums and libraries:
- Art Reach, Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Inc., Provincetown, MA
- Delta Blues Museum Arts & Education Program, Delta Blues Foundation, Inc., Clarksdale, MS
- Expanding the Walls, The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, NY
- Investigating Where We Live, National Building Museum, Washington, DC
- New Art in the Neighborhood, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- Pearl Bailey Youth Program, Newport News Public Library System, Pearl Bailey Library, Newport News, VA
- TeenSpace Circle of Mentoring, Santa Ana Public Library, Santa Ana, CA
“I congratulate the outstanding programs of the finalist institutions, and am especially proud to see libraries and museums among them,” said IMLS Director Susan Hildreth. “We know that these museum and library programs are often life changing for young people. They not only help keep children safe when they are out of school, they enable youth to tap into unknown talents and latent interests, opening worlds of exploration and discovery for learning that lasts a lifetime.”
The 12 final winners of the award will receive a $10,000 grant and the opportunity to visit the White House and accept the award from First Lady Michelle Obama. Awardees also receive a full year of capacity-building and communications support, designed to make their organizations stronger. Learn more at www.nahyp.org/about.
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. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) bridges the interests of American federal agencies and the private sector, supports special projects that increase participation and excellence in the arts and humanities, and helps incorporate these disciplines into White House objectives. First Lady Michelle Obama is the Honorary Chairman of the PCAH.