National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $80 million in grants as part of the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2018. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $20,000 toWYPR for its award-winning documentary series, Out of the Blocks. The Art Works category is the NEA’s largest funding category and supports projects that focus on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and/or the strengthening of communities through the arts.
“The variety and quality of these projects speaks to the wealth of creativity and diversity in our country,” said Chu. “Through the work of organizations such as WYPR in Baltimore, NEA funding invests in local communities, helping people celebrate the arts wherever they are.”
“This generous Art Works grant from the NEA will help us continue to share the story of Baltimore, one block at a time,” said WYPR General Manager Tony Brandon. “It also positions Out of the Blocks to bring its pioneering documentary model to other cities across the country.”
Out of the Blocks, produced by Aaron Henkin and Wendel Patrick, is an immersive listening experience that emerges from a mosaic of voices and soundscapes. A custom-tailored musical score colors and connects this tapestry of stories from the streets of Baltimore and beyond. Out of the Blocks can be heard online at www.wypr.org/outoftheblocks.
This is the second NEA grant WYPR has received for Out of Blocks. Last year, the station received a grant of $25,000.
For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
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.
