Features

Quote from POTUS against striped background. "We've got to support our artists and celebrate their work, and do our part to ensure that the American creative spirit that has defined us from the very beginning will thrive..
2015

Notable Quotable: President Barack Obama on the American Creative Spirit

President Barack Obama on the importance of artists and the American creative spirit.
Grey text that says "Why do the arts matter" across a black background
2015

Why The Arts Matter

NEA Staff share why the arts matter to them.
collage of a basket, a group of dancers, and a man at a piano with the text "What's your arts story?"
2015

What's Your Arts Story?

We know a lady never tells her age, but we can't help it--we're excited to be turning 50 this September! And how do we plan to celebrate? By sharing your stories of how the arts have impacted and made a difference in your lives. Whether you want to send us photos, make a video, sing a song, or...
Two versions of Marilyn Monroe sitting on a bed
2015

Marilyn Monroe: A Life Big Enough for Opera

Few individuals have been regarded with the same fascination as Marilyn Monroe. And she was indeed fascinating, a woman who—thanks in large part to her physical appearance—appeared to have everything: celebrity, fame, wealth, and no shortage of male admirers. But as has been endlessly explored...
Text that reads "Nine Thoughts on Hashtag Failure" against a photo background that looks like wood planks
2015

Nine Thoughts on #Failure

Eight artists and one critic reflect on what failure means to them.
Portrait of Janai Brugger

Janai Brugger

2012 was a very good year for soprano Janai Brugger. At the age of 29, she won Operalia, the World Opera Competition and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, two...
The phrase "giving thanks" embroidered in red thread on a white background
2014

Thank Heaven for Artists!

While we're grateful for artists every month, we're particularly thankful in this month when we take time off from "real life" to count our blessings large and small. In today's post NEA staffers reflect on some artists to whom they'd like to give a big old THANK YOU! Don Ball Thanks to the...
Headshot of Ann Meier Baker
2014

An Open Letter of Gratitude to the Person Who Taught Me the Art of Making Mistakes

New NEA Music and Opera Director Ann Meier Baker pens an open letter to the piano teacher who taught her the importance of failure.
Jason Schupbach
2014

Sparking Thoughts: NEA's "Beyond the Building" Convening

When directors at the NEA were given the ability to host convenings on topics of our choice, I jumped at the opportunity to work with my performing arts and presenting...
Bill Strickland and Jane Chu pose on either side of a vintage looking sign that reads Manchester Craftsmen's Guild
2014

Checking in with @NEAJaneChu

As I get to the end of my first quarter as NEA Chair, I’ve been thinking about how the arts foster creativity for the current generation of arts leaders, and also what we need to foster creative leadership for future generations. What defines a creative leader? What skill sets does that person need...

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