Rochester, NY – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28), Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, today announced $175,000 in federal funds awarded to groups in Western New York to directly support the work of writers, musicians, dancers, and artists.

The Geva Theatre Center, George Eastman House, BOA Editions, and the Garth Fagan Dance Company are all receiving grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), an independent government agency and the largest annual national funder of the arts in the country.

“The arts have an incredible ability to enrich our communities and strengthen our cultural diversity,” said Slaughter.  “But the arts are not just culturally significant, they are economically significant as well, positively impacting our local economy and spurring billions in economic activity.  As Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I am pleased to see this infusion of support for our talented group of local artists here in Western New York.”

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) said that job creation is the top priority of this Congress and applauded the House for passing the Jobs on Main Street Act. It will redirect $75 billion in TARP funds directly to job-creating programs in infrastructure, helping small businesses and providing emergency relief to families hardest hit by the recession.

“So far, the Congress has taken care of the biggest banks and it’s high time that we pay attention to the small businesses and infrastructure projects that we know will stimulate our economy and put Western New Yorkers back to work,” said Slaughter. “Not only does this bill help create jobs by giving small businesses the tools they need to grow, but also ensures that funds are available to keep teachers in the classrooms, and police and firefighters on the streets.

“While we have evidence that the unemployment rate has dropped slightly in Western New York, we know that more progress is needed and needed quickly. My top priority remains bringing good-paying jobs to Western New York. This legislation is necessary for us.”