By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,290)

Three Portland organizations will receive $55,000.00  among them to pursue their creative goals through the National Endowment for the Arts (“NEA”) according to a press release from US Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D).  The announcement comes after Pingree held a grants workshop in Augusta yesterday with staff from NEA and other similar organizations.  The total grant for the State of Maine is $900,000.00.

The three Portland organizations are:

PORTLAND OPERA REPETORY THEATRE.  $15,000.00 This will support Port Opera’s new production of Verdi’s, ‘AIDA” and accompanying filmfest for young filmmakers.  The new production will feature a creative team probably including Tony-award winning set and lightening designer and Munjoy Hill resident, Chris Akerland.

PORTLAND OVATIONS $30,000.00 This will support the presentation of multidisciplinary artists from several descriptions including dance, chamber music and world music, among others.  In addition to performing, artists will participate in engagement activities.

TELLING ROOM – $10,000.00 This will support the Young Writers and Readers Program.  The project includes creative writing, public speaking and visual arts workshops for Portland youth who have recently immigrated and are enrolled in English classes.

The Maine Arts Commission in Augusta received $723,300 of the entire amount of the grant.

US Congresswoman Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies which oversees funding for the NEA and NEH.