Boise Contemporary Theater Receives NEA Art Works Grant

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu announced today that Boise Contemporary Theater is one of 919 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. BCT is recommended for a $10,000 grant to support Fata Morgana by Jeni Mahoney (Jan 28 - Feb 21, 2015). Fata Morgana is a thriller that takes place at the edge of a toxic lake in the Mojave Desert, where Tori and Jack have built a quiet new life. But the silence is broken, when the life they left behind comes knocking. This boldly theatrical story features talking crows, brought to life by BCT Associate Artist and Puppeteer, Dwayne Blackaller.

NEA Chairman Jane Chu said, "I'm pleased to be able to share the news of our support through Art Works including the award to Boise Contemporary Theater. The arts foster value, connection, creativity and innovation for the American people and these recommended grants demonstrate those attributes and affirm that the arts are part of our everyday lives."

BCT Artistic Director says, "Jeni Mahoney's play, Fata Morgana, is a fantastic example of the challenging, intelligent, and emotionally powerful writing that BCT audiences have embraced here over the years. But most importantly, it has an innovative style. It feels like a new American magic realism. I am thrilled that the NEA is supporting this kind of work in Boise. I believe it's a play that will have a long life on many stages across the country."

Art Works grants support the creation of art, public engagement with art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancement of the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,474 eligible applications under the Art Works category, requesting more than $75 million in funding. Of those applications, 919 are recommended for grants for a total of $26.6 million.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov. Follow the conversation about this and other NEA?funded projects on Twitter at #NEAFall2014.