BISHOP ANNOUNCES $10K NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS GRANT FOR ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY

ALBANY, GA – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement today announcing the awarding of a new $10,000 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts to bolster the arts in underserved populations. Over 150 organizations across the country received a combined total of $1.5 million in grants through the Challenge America Fast-Track program.

“I am very grateful for the Challenge America Fast-Track grants and the positive impact they will have on the arts in Southwest Georgia,” said Congressman Bishop. “I commend the National Endowment of the Arts for joining Albany State College in their mission of bringing the arts closer to home, encouraging creativity with our students, and enriching our community in the process.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled at the news that ASU has received the NEA fast track grant again this year,” said Dr. Leroy Bynum, Jr., Dean of ASU’s College of Arts and Humanities. “By honoring us again with the award, the National Endowment for the Arts supports and validates ASU’s commitment to be the citadel for cultural enhancement and outreach for all of Southwest Georgia.”

The National Endowment for the Arts’ Challenge America Fast-Track grant program offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations; those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Fast-Track grants are only available to programs focusing on engagement with the community and strengthening the arts within the community. Albany State University was awarded the grant to bring world-renown pianist Awadagin Pratt to the school for a campus lecture, master class, and recital.

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