(Washington, DC, May 3, 2006) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is pleased to announce that the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded two grants to organizations in the Virgin Islands totaling $271,100.00.

The first grant was presented to the Caribbean Dance Company in the amount of $15,000.  This grant has been sent for the dance discipline under the category of Access to Artistic Excellence. To support the Caribbean dance axis, the project will include performances and post-performance discussions.

The second grant has been given to the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts for $256,100 for State and Regional support as a partnership grant. This is a matching funds grant that will help support projects that involve the creation and presentation of artistically excellent work- both new and established.

For additional information please contact that agency either the Caribbean dance company at P.O. Box 3065Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00822 or the Virgin Islands Council at 5070 Norre Gade, 2nd Floor, St. Thomas VI 00802.