WYPR 88.1 FM announced today that it is the recipient of a $25,000 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant to support expansion of the station’s Out of the Block documentary series.
“The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as WYPR in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences.”
Out of the Blocks is a radio documentary series that captures the stories of Baltimoreans living on some of the most diverse and often struggling streets of Baltimore. Those stories are gathered one block at a time by producer Aaron Henkin and woven together with an original soundtrack by Baker-award winning composer Wendel Patrick. Patrick also produces photographic portraits of each participant.
“This grant acknowledges the quality of WYPR’s work and the creativity of our staff,” said WYPR President Anthony S. Brandon. “NEA funding will allow us to produce more outstanding work for the community.”
Out of the Blocks episodes and podcasts can be found at http://wypr.org/programs/out-blocks. A new one-hour episode exploring the 600 block of Cherry Hill Road will be broadcast in July 2017. Podcasts are released every two weeks.
The NEA announced 1,029 grants totaling $82 million to organizations across the country as part of its second major funding announcement of fiscal year 2017. The grants range from $10,000 to $100,000.
WYPR is a National Public Radio station serving Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and beyond. WYPR was founded in 2002 by local community members. It is an independent licensee with a diverse Board of Directors consisting of Maryland residents. In addition to airing national and international radio features, WYPR excels in local programming including its news, public affairs, and cultural programs. WYPR is located at 88.1 FM on the radio dial and at 2216 N. Charles Street in Baltimore. As a listener-supported radio station, all contributions to the station are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information, visit www.wypr.org or call 410-235-1660.
