Washington, DC—NEA Chairman Jane Chu will visit Little Rock, Arkansas, October 7­­–8, 2014, to meet with the arts community and learn more about Little Rock's creative placemaking efforts.

On October 7 at 1:30pm, the city of Little Rock will hold an event about the Little Rock Main Street Creative Corridor. In 2011, the city received an NEA Our Town grant to support the design phase for this cultural corridor. With the construction of the first phase of this project nearly complete, this event will include an overview of the plan to strengthen Little Rock's creative community and renew a central section of its downtown district. Steve Luoni, with University of Arkansas Community Design Center, will present, with remarks by Mayor Mark Stodola and NEA Chairman Jane Chu.

Following this event, Chairman Chu will tour a few of the arts organizations that help to make up the arts corridor—Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Ballet Arkansas, and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

There will be a media availability following the tour from 3:30–4:30pm at Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Media wishing to request an interview should contact Liz Auclair at auclaire@arts.gov or 202-682-5744.

On October 8, 2014, Chairman Chu will learn about Argenta's arts district in North Little Rock. Held at the Argenta Regional Innovation Hub, the arts organizations in that area will hold a discussion with Chairman Chu followed by a tour of the neighborhood.

Follow @NEAJaneChu on twitter for photos and commentary on her visit to Little Rock.

Media are invited to attend the following events:

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

1:30–2:30pm:  Event about Little Rock's Main Street Creative Corridor.

9–10:00am:  Meeting about Argenta arts district followed by walking tour of Argenta

Location:  Argenta Regional Innovation Hub, 201 E. 4th St., North Little Rock, AR 72114

Participants: