NEA at 50

Time for a shout-out to the National Endowment for the Arts, which, along with the National Endowment for the Humanities, launched a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary in the fall. As President Barack Obama noted on this milestone (in turn recognizing President Lyndon B. Johnson for signing the legislation creating these agencies), “It’s our artists who hold up a mirror to our society, reminding us of our common purpose and our collective obligations.” NEA Chairman Jane Chu visited Columbus in 2014, noting that the Wex “brings different archetypes and people together. That’s cutting edge and a both/and—not either/or.” We thank Chu and the NEA for their stalwart support of our artist residencies, including a recent grant for projects by visual artist Sarah Oppenheimer, choreographer Faye Driscoll, and composer Brian Harnetty. Join us in tuning in to “A Celebration of American Creativity,” featuring performances at the White House to celebrate this milestone (airing in Columbus on WOSU.TV/PBS January 8 at 9 PM, January 9 at 2 PM, and January 10 at 8 PM, or check airtimes in your hometown). You can share your personal story with the NEA about the impact of the arts on your life here.