Congresswoman Hirono Announces Federal Funding for
Performing Arts Programs on Maui and the Big Island
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono announced today the awarding of three National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) grants to programs in Hawai'i’s 2nd Congressional District.
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) will receive two of the federal grants.
The NEA has awarded $45,000 to support the presentation of Kûlanihâko'i, a series of performances and related outreach and residency activities by Hawaiian master artists, Sonny Ching and Keali'i Reichel.
MACC is also receiving $40,000 to support the program, “Telling Our Stories: The Past is Our Future.” In partnership with the State of Hawai'i Department of Education – Maui District, MACC will coordinate year-long classroom instruction in Hawaiian storytelling, as well as the elements and principles of drama, which will culminate in various student performances.
The culture and arts enrichment program, “Hawai'i’s Volcano Circus” (HVC), on the Big Island, will receive $10,000 from NEA. The federal funding will support the Puna Performing Arts Festival. A series of workshops in circus arts, music, drama, and dance targeting area youth will ultimately lead to public performances at HVC’s new Seaview Performance Arts Center for Education, also known as SPACE.
Established by Congress in 1965, 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.
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