U.S Congressman Serrano Expresses his Committment to the Arts

It's good to see a Congressman who represents the Bronx advocating and protecting funding for the arts.

Gregory
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Serrano Praises Art Funding

On Wednesday, during a hearing for the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Serrano expressed his continued commitment to the arts, especially the work of traditional, cultural artists. “Even during difficult budget times, we have to protect, preserve and grow the arts,” Serrano said.

During the hearing, Serrano also asked Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), about the status of the National Heritage Fellowship (NHF), which is in danger of being discontinued. The NHF is a one-time award of $25,000 that is made to artists to support their efforts to conserve America's many cultures for future generations (last year’s NHF awardees included 2 artists from New York). Chairman Landesman responded that he has met with key leaders with regards to the NHF and will be taking their thoughts into consideration, as the NHF is considered an important and valuable part of the NEA.