NEA Grant Funds New Work at OSF

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival learned today that it is one of 832 non-profit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. OSF was recommended for a $100,000 grant to support Naomi Wallace's new work, The Liquid Plain, which will be staged in the Thomas Theatre in 2013 and run from July 2 to November 3.

The Liquid Plain was commissioned through OSF's American Revolutions: the United States History Cycle. Wallace was among the first writers commissioned when the program was launched in 2008.

"The Liquid Plain is exactly the kind of new work that we should be doing as our country's largest language-based theater," OSF Artistic Director Bill Rauch said. "Naomi's language is fierce, tender, and thrilling. It is a brave and important new American play, and I couldn't be more pleased that we are premiering it and more grateful for this significant support from the National Endowment for the Arts."

"I'm proud to announce these 832 grants to the American public," said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. "These projects offer extraordinary examples of creativity in our country, including the creation of new work, innovative ways of engaging audiences, and exemplary education programs."

In March 2012, the NEA received 1,509 eligible applications for Art Works requesting more than $74 million in funding. The 832 recommended NEA grants total $23.3 million, span 13 artistic disciplines and fields, and focus primarily on the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing works for the benefit of American audiences. Applications were reviewed by panels of outside experts convened by NEA staff and each project was judged on its artistic excellence and artistic merit.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.