Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that the National Endowment for the Arts will award $40,000 to three Southwest Connecticut nonprofit arts organizations. Games for Change will receive $20,000, Silvermine Arts Center will receive $10,000, and INTEMPO Organization will receive $10,000 in federal funding to support the organizations' arts participation and programming.

Games for Change will use the Grants for Art Projects funding to strengthen public engagement with media arts through their Games for Change Festival and the XR for Change Summit. Silvermine Arts Center and INTEMPO Organization were both awarded NEA’s Challenge America grant that aims to extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. The funding will be used towards Silvermine Art Center’s after-school arts programs for elementary and middle school students and INTEMPO’s series of performing arts activities focused on the Afro-Latino music diaspora.

“Southwest Connecticut is home to a vibrant arts economy. It’s part of what makes our cities and towns special.” said Congressman Himes. “These organizations enrich our community through the creation of art, theater performances, international festivals, and educational programs. That’s why federal government grants are critical in supporting their efforts and preserving what makes the 4th district special.” 

“We are grateful to the NEA for this crucial funding for Art Partners, which marks its 30th year as Silvermine celebrates its centennial. The Art Partners program was founded to integrate art education with academic pursuits while fostering empathy and bringing competence and creative problem-solving skills to students in their formative years,” said Barbara Linarducci, Silvermine’s CEO and Vice Chair.

“Since 2004, the annual Games for Change Festival has been the leading cross-sector convening dedicated to the intersection of games and social impact. With the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, we are looking forward to hosting our biggest Festival yet in July 2022 — exploring new avenues for impact in education, public health, and humanitarian causes. As a Fairfield County resident, I am grateful for the congressional support that unlocks this opportunity for the Games for Change community,” said Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change.

“This is the first time that INTEMPO has received a federal grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Having their trust in our Cultural Crossover concert programming is incredibly meaningful since we share their commitment to artistic excellence and quality intercultural programming. Through the Challenge America grant, all audiences will be able to experience our upcoming Afro-Latinx Diaspora programming on May 15th at the Norwalk Concert Hall-- many will be attending this concert hall for the first time, or hearing classical and traditional music on the same stage. Through Challenge America, INTEMPO is able to make music and education relevant, accessible, and inclusive," said Angelica Durrell, Founder and CEO of INTEMPO.

According to The National Endowment for the Arts, the Challenge America grant program offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines that extend the reach of the arts to populations that are underserved.

For more information, contact Charlotte Hoffman at Charlotte.Hoffman@mail.house.gov.

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