U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty Serves as Honorary Host for University at Albany's NEA Grants Workshop

Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 5, 2008) -- Michael McNulty of New York�s 21st District today served as honorary host with Robert Frankel, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) deputy chairman for Grants and Awards, for a special grants workshop conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts for local nonprofit organizations. The workshop, held at the University at Albany�s University Art Museum, was part of the NEA�s outreach to New York organizations about federal funding opportunities and the process of applying for Arts Endowment grants.

At a news conference prior to the workshop, Robert Frankel said, �The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting the arts in communities throughout the country. I am delighted to be here in Albany today to encourage local arts organizations to apply for federal grants.�

Rep. McNulty said, �The local arts are important to our economy and our quality of life in Albany. I am pleased Robert Frankel could join us to educate our district about the National Endowment for the Arts� programs and funding opportunities.� 

UAlbany Interim President George Philip said, "The University is pleased to host the NEA and Rep. McNulty in their efforts to encourage and support local arts."

Also participating in the news conference was University at Albany Interim Provost Susan Phillips and Edelgard Wulfert, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The news conference and grants workshop were both held at the University at Albany�s University Art Museum. Robert Frankel led the free grants workshop, which included a discussion of grants for projects that:

� provide hands-on learning in the arts for children and youth (pre-K to Grade 12) in schools, arts organizations, and community centers;

� help preserve cultural traditions through documentation, publications, exhibits, apprenticeships, and conservation;

� provide access to the arts in underserved communities; and

� involve the creation or presentation of works of art, including performances, exhibitions, and festivals.

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, visit the NEA on the Web.

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