ARTS North Carolina Honors Grammy Nominee Neena Freelon 4/12

Join ARTS North Carolina on Tuesday, April 12th for Arts Day 2011 and the presentation of the first ever Arts Day Artist Award to world-renowned jazz singer, composer, producer, arranger and six time Grammy Nominee Neena Freelon. The award will be presented by Secretary of Cultural Resources Linda Carlisle at the Arts Day Legislative Training starting at 9am at the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh.

In presenting Freelon's award, Secretary Linda Carlisle states, "Neena Freelon is first and foremost an inspiring artist who represents a state that has produced extraordinary contributions in the arts. Her life and work embodies visionary activism in support of arts and education. Even as we take our message of economic impact to our state legislators, we should all be reminded that our work begins with the heart and soul of artists who live in North Carolina."

Nneena Freelon is hailed as the "international voice of jazz" and received a standing ovation from 20,000 in her star-making a capella appearance on the Grammy Awards Telecast. Her educational efforts in master classes, clinics, workshops and teaching have made her a sought-after spokesperson and lecturer, as well as motivational speaker, and she was featured on the front cover of the North Carolina Arts Council's Touring Artists Directory. Arts North Carolina President Pierce Egerton, in affirming Freelon's selection as Arts Day 2011 Artist, states, "Nneena is a passionate supporter of arts education. As the spokesperson for Partners in Education she spoke frequently on the need for more ART at the heart of American education and the value of teaching the whole child." Arts North Carolina Executive Director Karen Wells sums up the award selection, "Music is Neena Freelon's medium; changing lives is her legacy."

Arts Day is North Carolina's annual legislative and professional development event, convening hundreds of citizens from across North Carolina to speak with their Legislators about the essential role arts play in economy, education, and everyday lives of citizens.

Arts North Carolina, producer of Arts Day, is North Carolina's statewide advocacy organization for the arts. ARTS North Carolina calls for equity and access to the arts for all North Carolinians, unifies and connects North Carolina's arts communities, and fosters arts leadership. ARTS NC is supported by member organizations and individuals representing 74 counties and provides yearly advocacy training programs and resource support.

A complete schedule of events on April 11 & 12 and more information on Arts North Carolina can be found at www.artsnc.org. or by contacting Arts North Carolina at 919-834-1411.