Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that nine organizations in Maine have been awarded a total of $997,500 to enhance performing arts and literature programs. This funding was awarded through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

“Arts programs enrich communities, inspire creative minds, bring families together, and preserve our state’s cultural traditions,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This federal funding will help to support organizations throughout Maine that are dedicated to enhancing arts programs and inspiring future generations of artists.”

The funding will be allocated as follows:

• Maine Arts Commission in Augusta will receive $882,500 to support arts programs, services, and activities associated with carrying out the agency’s National Endowment for the Arts-approved strategic plan. 

• Cultural Resources, Inc. in Camden will receive $20,000 to support the Wabanaki Traditional Arts Mentorship Program.

• Pineland Farms, Inc. in New Gloucester will receive $10,000 to support the identification, documentation, and a convening of woodworkers.

• Creative Portland Corporation will receive $30,000 to support the addition of an augmented reality feature to an existing arts-based digital application.

• Portland Symphony Orchestra will receive $15,000 to support concerts of remembrance for Terezin, a performance project by the orchestra with related outreach activities.

• Telling Room in Portland will receive $10,000 to support the Young Writers and Leaders Program.

• Camden International Film Festival will receive $20,000 to support professional development services and educational programs for nonfiction filmmakers and media artists.

• Waterville Creates will receive $10,000 to support arts programming managed by Waterville Creates and presented at the new Paul J. Schupf Art Center.

• Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle will receive $25,000 to support a summer craft conference focused on highlighting the contributions of Black and Native American artists.

The NEA is an independent federal agency established in 1965 whose funding and support give Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America.