Chicago Human Rhythm Project Receives $10,000 from NEA

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced today that Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), the nation's premier presenter of American tap dance and international contemporary percussive arts, is among the arts organizations nationwide receiving awards totaling more than $27.6 million. CHRP intends to use its Art Works award of $10,000 to support Chicago-based concerts and education programs that focus on American tap, diverse percussive dance traditions and intra-city cultural exchange.

The Art Works category supports the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing work, lifelong learning in the arts and public engagement with the arts through 13 arts disciplines or fields.

NEA Chairman Jane Chu said, "The arts are part of our everyday lives--no matter who you are or where you live--they have the power to transform individuals, spark economic vibrancy in communities and transcend the boundaries across diverse sectors of society. Supporting projects like those by Chicago Human Rhythm Project offers more opportunities to engage in the arts every day."

Among the programs the Art Works grant supports are CHRP's 26th anniversary summer festival, Rhythm World (July 2016), including performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jazz Showcase and Studebaker Theater; the third annual Institute for the Rhythmic Arts; intensive residencies and a Youth Tap Ensemble Conference; and workshops, master classes, panel discussions, tap jams and student showcases. The grant also supports CHRP's second annual STOMPING GROUNDS festival (April-May 2016) featuring African, Irish, Mexican, Japanese and Spanish dancing alongside American tap; "performalogues" in five diverse cultural centers; and 20 lecture-demonstrations and 225 curriculum-based master classes in ethnically and geographically diverse neighborhoods. STOMPING GROUNDS culminates in the Chicago Rhythm Fest concert June 4 at the Auditorium Theatre showcasing CHRP's resident ensemble BAM! (American tap), Muntu Dance Theatre (African), Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Mexican Folkloric Dance Company and Trinity Irish Dance Company.

"We're honored to be supported by the NEA and to use that support to continue educating, inspiring--even entertaining--new generations through American tap and contemporary rhythmic expression," said CHRP Founder and Artistic Director Lane Alexander. "We're especially excited to present the second annual citywide STOMPING GROUNDS festival and its culminating concert, the Chicago Rhythm Fest. You can almost hear it coming!"