More Than $82 Million Awarded for Arts Projects Nationwide

Includes $15,000 awarded to Music Maker Relief Foundation

Hillsborough, NC —National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects and partnerships in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2016. Included in this announcement is an Art Works award of $15,000 to Music Maker Relief Foundation to Bring our photo exhibit, Our Living Past and performances to various venues in Kentucky. The Art Works category supports the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing work, lifelong learning in the arts, and public engagement with the arts through 13 arts disciplines or fields.

“The arts are all around us, enhancing our lives in ways both subtle and obvious, expected and unexpected,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Supporting projects like the one from Music Maker Relief Foundation offers more opportunities to engage in the arts every day.”

“Music Maker is thrilled to have the support of the NEA to bring important artists to perform in communities across Kentucky. This program and others like it ensure America’s cultural heritage is passed on to our youth and future generations.” – Denise Duffy (Managing Director, MMRF)

Our Living Past, a photography exhibit accompanied by live music events, which will take place at six arts venues in Kentucky during 2016/2017. This project will provide a unique tintype photography exhibit that shines a light on Southern folk musicians hidden by poverty and geography, along with live traditional music experiences featuring performers who are depicted in the exhibit. The performances will engage audiences of all backgrounds and ages in live roots music, and the project will offer quality performance opportunities to senior, under-represented roots musicians.

Our Living Past Dates

Clifton Center, Louisville, KY

August 2016 – October 2016

Norton Center for the Arts, Danville, KY

September 2016 – January 2017

Henderson Fine Arts Center, Henderson, KY

January 2017 – March 2017

Downtown Arts Center in Lexington, KY

March 2017 – May 2017