National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu Joins Congresswoman Bonamici for Arts Tours
Bonamici, Chu Visit Nationally Recognized Schools, Bag & Baggage Theater, Oregon College of Art and Craft
BEAVERTON, OR [01/20/16] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced Jane Chu, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), to schools and arts organizations that are part of Northwest Oregon’s thriving arts community.
“Oregon’s dedication to the arts enriches our lives, makes Oregon a better place to live, and supports our growing economy," said Congresswoman Bonamici. “The arts broaden our horizons and catalyze our creativity. I’m proud to welcome Chairman Chu to Hillsboro’s Quatama Elementary and Beaverton’s Highland Park Middle School to show her how these Oregon schools are taking innovative approaches to educating our students. The National Endowment of the Arts, now in its fiftieth year, advocates for the arts for our children and families, our communities, and our economy.”
"I want to thank Congresswoman Bonamici for inviting me to visit Oregon and see its strong tradition of support for the arts and the National Endowment for the Arts," said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "During my visit I witnessed incredible work taking place in Oregon’s communities. From economic initiatives and education programs, to arts organizations and public artworks, it is clear that the arts are integral and thriving across the state.”
On Wednesday, Congresswoman Bonamici and Chairman Chu toured Highland Park Middle School and Quatama Elementary School, two nationally recognized STEAM schools that recently received innOVATION awards for excellence in STEAM education from the Ovation Foundation, Americans for the Arts, and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. They also visited Bag & Baggage Theater, a non-profit theater in Hillsboro that provides a variety of professional development initiatives like technical internships for young people, and also offers a unique educational access program.
Finally, Congresswoman Bonamici and Chairman Chu participated in a grants workshop with members of the local arts community, and toured the Oregon College of Art and Craft, an independent college offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. The workshop was designed to give art leaders, organizations, and stakeholders in the arts community the tools they need to understand the NEA grant application process.
According to Americans for the Arts, the arts add $135.2 billion to the nation’s economy and support 4.13 million full-time jobs, including 8,529 full-time jobs in the Portland area.