EDD gets NEA grant

The city’s Economic Development Department has been approved for a $500,000 American Rescue Plan grant from the National Endowment for the Arts “to help the arts and cultural sector recover from the pandemic.” Ann Eilers, NEA’s acting chair, said, “These grants recognize the vital role of local arts agencies and will allow them to help rebuild local economies and contribute to the well-being of our communities.” Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, EDD’s acting director, said, “We are grateful to be approved for this funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Our local arts organizations are critical to the foundation of Austin’s creative culture. We are proud to extend funding through the Cultural Arts Division to support arts education and make a lasting impact towards economic recovery.” The EDD plans to use the $500,000 award to create sub-grants for eligible arts education organizations and teaching artists “with a focus on underrepresented artists and organizations led by and actively serving communities of color.” The money will be distributed in the latter half of 2022.