June 18, 2013

GOV. MALLOY, CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION & FIRST SELECTMAN LLODRA ANNOUNCE GRANT TO SUPPORT NEWTOWN HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS PROJECT

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-05) and Newtown First Selectman Patricia Llodra, today announced that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is awarding a grant of $30,000 to support the HealingNewtown Arts Space in Newtown, Connecticut.

"In the wake of a tragedy like Newtown, it can be difficult for us to convey our grief for those we lost and empathy for the victims and their loved ones - but art, in whatever form, gives us that voice when everyday communication falls short," Governor Malloy said. "In the six months that have passed since that terrible day, we have mourned deeply for the victims and looked for ways to heal while honoring their memory. This grant will help sustain HealingNewtown so that it can continue to be the link between the community and the creative outpouring of love, support and compassion from artists around the world."

"The National Endowment for the Arts is honored to support the healing power of the arts at the HealingNewtown Art Space," NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa said. "We turn to the arts when faced with tragedy to find solace and emotional expression. The volunteer work done to date at the arts center has been remarkable. The NEA is proud to build on that work to secure the art center's programs and services as the community and the nation continue to heal."

HealingNewtown Arts Space was created in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy to bring the community together to express their grief and heal in a safe and creative environment through a variety of arts events, workshops, exhibitions, performances and concerts. Developed and managed by the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission (NCAC), HealingNewtown has, to date, been run by volunteers but efforts are underway to establish a long-term, sustainable operation including the hiring of staff and locating a permanent arts space. NCAC is conducting a national search for an executive director to lead HealingNewtown. The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) requested the NEA funding to cover 6 months of salary expenses for the position.

"On this six-month anniversary, as the Newtown community continues to heal and mend, this grant will support its courage and strength," Senator Blumenthal said. "HealingNewtown has helped enable this extraordinary community's compassion and courage, which have inspired and uplifted the world. The arts can aid healing and recovery from tragedy and trauma - activity supported by this grant."

"Newtown, especially the children of Newtown, have experienced gut-wrenching grief over the last six months," Senator Murphy said. "The community is continuing to heal and it deserves a safe place to come together for self-expression. The HealingNewtown Arts Space is a great place to do just that. From writing workshops, to arts and crafts projects and dance classes, this space will provide an artistic outlet for kids and the rest of the community while they are coping with some very raw emotions. I'm thrilled that the NEA has offered its support for long term staffing at this special community center, helping it to continue its great work for years to come."

"For the people of Newtown, who have been through so much, the services of HealingNewtown are critically important," Rep. Esty said. "Since that dark day more than 6 months ago, HealingNewtown has done incredible work, through volunteer efforts, bringing the community together and cataloguing artwork that represents tangible examples of just how much the people of Newtown have touched and inspired people around the world - people who have reached out with love and compassion in this time of grief. I applaud the NEA for supporting the work of HealingNewtown to provide creative outlets for grief and to help bring about healing in this courageous and inspirational town."

"I want to express our appreciation to NEA, Governor Malloy and our congressional delegation for their continued support to help Newtown's CAC create a sustainable model for the future," First Selectman Llodra said. "The HealingNewtown art space has had a positive impact on our community and continues to provide programs that support resiliency and our path forward. The COA was instrumental in helping our CAC create this art space immediately after December 14th and continues to provide guidance. We are grateful for that expertise and commitment to our local arts efforts."

COA played a key role in acquiring the initial HealingNewtown Art Space, as well as the donated equipment, furnishings, and services to run the center. COA also provided initial support for the project, including resources and planning and development, and continues to assist NCAC through consultation.

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For Immediate Release: June 18, 2013

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