6:56am | The Arts Council for Long Beach has been recommended for a $48,000 grant to support Eye on Design, a public art education program for third-grade students.
The Arts Council is one of over 1,100 not-for-profit organizations recommended for a grant as part of the federal agency’s second round of fiscal year 2011 grants, according to a statement from the Arts Council. The National Endowment will distribute more than $88 million to support projects nationwide.
An independent agency of the federal government, the National Endowment for the Arts advances artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.
“NEA research shows that three out of four Americans participate in the arts. The diverse, innovative, and exceptional projects funded in this round will ensure that Americans around the country continue to have the opportunity to experience and participate in the arts,” NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman said in a statement.
Eye on Design will be held during the 2011-12 school year in classes at four schools in the Long Beach Unified School District. Students in the program are taught about neighborhood history, public art and the design process through activities, field trips and learning opportunities. Students also design and create public art to be housed at their schools. Currently, the program is at Roosevelt, Fremont and Prisk elementary schools.
The purpose of the Arts Council is to organize, encourage and enhance the cultural environment in the city of Long Beach. 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. For more information visit Arts.gov.
Disclosure: Long Beach Post publisher Shaun Lumachi is an Arts Council for Long Beach board member.