NEA Chairman Landesman announces Challenge America Fast-Track grants

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. The Orchestra of Southern Utah 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.

The Orchestra has been proud to host an annual Children's Jubilee since 2004.  The 2013 OSU Children’s Jubilee, “Capturing the Caribbean,” will take place in February of 2013. This Jubilee will highlight the sounds and traditions of the Caribbean and include a Thursday evening performance and the Children’s Matinee performance on Saturday morning. The performances will be held in the Heritage Center, located in the heart of Cedar City. Through this venture OSU will explore the culture and sounds of the Caribbean with the help of guest artist steel drum band ensembles. Music for the performances will include a medley from Pirates of the Caribbean.

In addition to the two planned performances, the Jubilee will engage the youth of the Iron County community through outreach assemblies and events at the Children’s Matinee. In 2010, OSU provided outreach assemblies for 2,500 local school children (held at local elementary and pre-schools).   They hope to increase that number for the 2013 Jubilee.

On the day of the Children’s Matinee, the Heritage Center lobby will be filled with displays focusing on the culture and music of the Caribbean. As in previous years, the Orchestra will enlist the help and talents of educators from Southern Utah University to help with hands-on learning activities and displays for the families that attend. Local artists provide art and a music store display will provide children the opportunity to play different instruments.

In conjunction with the performances, a food drive for the local food pantry will provide a means for OSU to serve those in need as well as give families an opportunity to obtain discounted admission.

“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.”

“This is a time in our nation’s history where in the state of our economy is such that funds for the arts are hard to come by,” stated OSU President Pete Akins,” because of the funds made available by the NEA we are able to invest in the youth of our community in a very real and profound way; it so important that we align our priorities to help build our next generation in a positive way.”

"We are thrilled to have the national recognition for our fourth NEA grant,” commented OSU Manager Sara Penny.  “The extra support allows us to create a truly magical music experience for our area.  In this case we'll be exploring music that would not ordinarily be heard in southern Utah.  We want to thank everyone involved in this project." 

The program is called Fast-Track because of its expedited review timeline. The Orchestra 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. The Orchestra’s grant award is evidence of the artistic excellence and artistic merit of the “Capturing the Caribbean.”

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

The Orchestra of Southern Utah exists to imbue our community with a responsiveness to the musical arts through our live performances.

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.