CAP21 Receives Grant from National Endowment for the Arts

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced today that Collaborative Arts Project 21 (CAP21) is one of 886 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. CAP21 is recommended for a $10,000 grant to support CAP21's New Artist and New Works Development Program.

This program provides an environment for artists where ideas and visions are celebrated and lead to the creation of new works that reflect the culture of the world today and focus on engaging imagination in the development of craft.

NEA Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, "The NEA is pleased to announce that CAP21 is recommended for an NEA Art Works grant. These NEA-supported projects will not only have a positive impact on local economies, but will also provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in the arts, help our communities to become more vibrant, and support our nation's artists as they contribute to our cultural landscape."

"The CAP21 Theatre Company is a vital center for creativity and self-expression; for the writers and artists of the 21st Century. What distinguishes the CAP21 Residencies from others is the opportunity for writers to get essential re-writes and creative goals accomplished with the libraries, museums, theatres and other resources of New York City at their fingertips," says Eliza Ventura, Artistic Director of CAP21.

Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancement of the livability of communities through the arts. The NEA received 1,515 eligible applications under the Art Works category, requesting more than $76 million in funding. Of those applications, 886 are recommended for grants for a total of $25.8 million.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.

Currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary, CAP21 is proud to receive this grant in order to maintain the organization's mission to foster new work and new talent. CAP21's award winning Theatre Company is dedicated to expanding the Theatre Canon with new plays and musicals and further developed 28 new works last season. This included the GLAAD Award-Winning Musical, Southern Comfort. Additionally, for five consecutive years, the writers of new musicals developed and produced at CAP21 have won the Jonathan Larson Grant. CAP21 is home to one of America's most prestigious musical theatre conservatories. Prominent alumni include Lady Gaga, Matthew Morrison, Nikki M. James, Bobby Steggert, and Cristin Milioti. For more information, please visit www.CAP21.org.