NEA Chairman Jane Chu to Visit New Orleans

Washington, DC—NEA Chairman Jane Chu will visit New Orleans on November 12–14, 2014. Her trip will include a tour of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's new George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, a visit to Lusher Charter School, and the opportunity to observe a New Orleans Ballet Association class. On November 14, Chairman Chu will give the plenary address at the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies Assembly 2014. Follow @NEAJaneChu on twitter for photos and commentary on her visit to New Orleans. On November 12 at 3:45pm, Chairman Chu will join the leadership of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation for a hard hat tour of the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, which is scheduled to open in December 2014. When complete, the building will include seven music classrooms and a 200-seat auditorium, all with state-of-the-art technology. On November 13 at 8:15am, Chairman Chu will visit Lusher Charter School's elementary campus. Her visit will include attending the school's morning meeting, followed by visits to classrooms to learn more about the school's arts-integrated approach to learning. Later that afternoon at 2:30pm, Chairman Chu will meet with Lusher Charter School teachers, parents, and students for a discussion about their experience. This meeting will be held at the high school campus. At 11:00am she will meet with the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) at the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission’s Lyons Center. In addition to discussion about NOBA's efforts to connect with the community, Chairman Chu will observe a senior dance fitness class and meet the participants. Following this, Chairman Chu will have limited availability for media interviews. Media who wish to request an interview should contact Liz Auclair at auclaire@arts.gov or 202-682-5744 or Sally Gifford at giffords@arts.gov, 202-682-5606. On November 14 at 12:00pm, Chairman Chu will address the NEA's state arts agency partners at the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies  (NASAA) Assembly 2014. Forty percent of NEA’s grantmaking funds are designated for state arts agencies, regional arts organizations, and national service organizations that support the work of the states and regions. Chairman Chu will speak about the role of the arts as an essential component of our everyday lives and our collective role in ensuring all Americans and our communities benefit from the arts. Members of the media who wish to attend the following events should RSVP to Liz Auclair at auclaire@arts.gov or 202-682-5744 or Sally Gifford at giffords@arts.gov or 202-682-5606. Wednesday, November 12, 2014 3:45–4:15pm: Tour of the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center Location: Tour will begin at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's office, 1205 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 Participants:       Jane Chu, chairman, National Endowment for the Arts Don Marshall, executive director, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Demetric Mercadel, president of the Board of Directors, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Cathy Hernandez, executive director, Louisiana Division of the Arts Thursday, November 13, 2014 8:15–9:40am: Visit to Lusher Charter School (Lower School)—Attending morning meeting and observing classes in session. Location: 7315 Willow Street, New Orleans, LA 70118 Participants:       Jane Chu, chairman, National Endowment for the Arts Kathy Riedingler, CEO, Lusher Charter School Kathy DeJean, arts director, Lusher Charter School Cathy Hernandez, executive director, Louisiana Division of the Arts 11:00am–12:00pm: Discussion with New Orleans Ballet Association and observe a senior citizen dance fitness class Location: Lyons Center,  624 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 Participants:       Jane Chu, chairman, National Endowment for the Arts Jenny Hamilton, executive director, New Orleans Ballet Association Susan Bensinger, education coordinator, New Orleans Ballet Association Millette White, education coordinator, New Orleans Ballet Association Jasmine Forest, communications coordinator and teaching artist, New Orleans Ballet Association Vic Richard, CEO, New Orleans Recreation Development Commission Gregory Curtis, president, Friends of NORD Brittany Greiffenstein, community development coordinator, Arc of Greater New Orleans Sakari Morrison, general manager of policy, government and public affairs, Chevron Gulf of Mexico 12:00–12:45pm  Media availability. Media who wish to request an interview should contact Liz Auclair at auclaire@arts.gov or 202-682-5744 or Sally Gifford at giffords@arts.gov, 202-682-5606.   Location: Lyons Center,  624 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans,  LA 70115 2:30–3:30pm  Discussion with Lusher Charter School teachers, parents, and students Location: Lusher Charter School Middle/High School, 5624 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115 Participants: Jane Chu, chairman, National Endowment for the Arts Kathy Riedingler, CEO, Lusher Charter School Blaine LeCesne, president of the board, Lusher Charter School Kathy DeJean, arts director, Lusher Charter School Cathy Hernandez, executive director, Louisiana Division of the Arts Friday, November 14, 2014 12:00–2:00 pm: Remarks by Jane Chu at National Assembly of State Arts Agencies  (NASAA) Assembly 2014 (Jane Chu is scheduled to speak at 12:50pm) Location: InterContinental New Orleans, La Salle Ballroom, 444 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

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