On May 17, the National Endowment for the Arts announced 2011 grant recipients in three programs. Many New York City groups are represented.

In the Access to Artistic Excellence program (covering 13 disciplines), 789 grants out of 1,415 eligible applications were recommended for total funding of $24.9 million. Through the Learning in the Arts program, 229 grants out of 706 eligible applications were recommended for total funding of $7.4 million. See the NEA announcement to view grant recipients and project descriptions that either continue successful programs or launch new ones.

Both funding programs now fall within the new funding category, Art Works. The next application deadline is August 11, 2011; there no longer is a June deadline. For more information on Art Works, click here or contact NEA staff for the field or discipline that is most relevant to your project.

Thirty-six nonprofit, professional theater companies in 21 states plus the District of Columbia have received grants of $25,000 to participate in Shakespeare for a New Generation, which introduces middle and high school students to live theater and the works of William Shakespeare. New York City-based companies include Aquila Theatre Company, Epic Theatre Ensemble, The Acting Company, and Theatre for a New Audience. Projects will take place between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012. The program has served more than 1.5 million students and teachers with performances and educational activities since 2003. For more information, click here.