Creede Rep Awarded National Endowment for the Arts Award

As National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman has noted, "Art works everywhere," which is why the NEA's Challenge America Fast-Track (CAFT) program supports projects from primarily small and mid-sized arts organizations that extend the reach of the arts to underserved audiences-those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Creede Repertory Theatre was selected to receive one of the 162 grants of $10,000 awarded to organizations in 46 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This NEA award will support Creede Repertory Theatre's 2012 Young Audience Outreach Tour, which will bring much-needed performing arts experiences to tens of thousands of children in rural and underserved schools throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Oklahoma.

"Taken together, these Challenge America Fast-Track grants provide an extraordinary sampling of the work that arts organizations do to reach underserved communities," said Chairman Landesman. "With these grants, we are helping to ensure that art works for all Americans."

Creede Repertory Theatre's Education Director, Renee Stynchula shared, "In 2011, the Challenge America award helped us reach over 19,000 children! NEA support not only helps us serve children in rural and underserved areas, it is also a "stamp of excellence" which helps us leverage more funds from other sources."

The program is called Fast-Track because of its expedited review timeline. Creede Repertory Theatre was notified approximately six months after applying. Also, with 375 eligible applications submitted from across the country, there was significant competition for funding for these grants. Creede Repertory Theatre's grant award is evidence of the artistic excellence and artistic merit of the Young Audience Outreach Tour.

Please see the complete listing of projects recommended for Challenge America Fast-Track grant support.

Creede Repertory Theatre was founded in 1966 to revitalize the economy of a struggling silver mining community. Nestled in a rugged rural corner of the Southwest, in a town with only 450 resident year-round, the Creede Repertory Theatre is able to reach over 40,000 individuals each year through its summer repertory season and touring children's production. For more information about our upcoming 47th season and education programs, visit www.creederep.org.

The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. To join the discussion on how art works, visit the NEA at www.arts.gov.