The CEPA Gallery and the Just Buffalo Literary Center have received two of the competitive Stimulus grants awarded to Buffalo cultural organizations by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The two of only three competitive Stimulus grants awarded to Buffalo presented each organization with $25,000.
“Cultural and artistic organizations generate economic activity, create jobs, and stimulate regional economies,” said Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter. “Especially in Western New York where culture and arts are an important part of our community, investment in the arts not only strengthens our cultural foundation but out economy as well. I am pleased that the CEPA Gallery and Just Buffalo Literary Center will receive federal funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to preserve jobs and serve out community.”
The organizations’ groundbreaking administrative partnership was launched in 2003 and continues to increase efficiency, improve organizational capacity and expand regional profile. This effort has received national attention though articles, a national award from the Kellogg and Lodestar Foundations, several conference presentations and major support from the John R. Oishei Foundation. CEPA and JBLC stimulus grants will be used to support jobs in their youth education programs which together serve more than 5,000 at-risk school-aged children a year.
The Recovery Act recognizes that the non-profit arts industry is an important sector of the economy. As part of the act, cultural organizations from across the country were given the opportunity to submit proposals requesting one-time grants to help preserve jobs during the current economic downturn. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society also received a $50,000 stimulus grant.