FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2008

Contact: Gregory Liakos, Communications Director 617-727-3668 x343
or Rob Watson, Communications Coordinator 617-727-3668 x268

Mass. Youth Art Programs Receive National Recognition
Legislative Leaders, Massachusetts Cultural Council to Honor Coming Up Taller Award Winners

(Boston, MA) - The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) has cited four Massachusetts youth art programs for excellence in 2007 through its Coming Up Taller Awards. The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), along with Representative Jeffrey Sánchez and other members of the Massachusetts legislature, will salute the state’s nationally recognized programs at Cloud Place in Boston on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 4 p.m.

Established in 1998, the Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and support outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America's young people, provide them learning opportunities and chances to contribute to their communities. These awards focus national attention on exemplary programs currently fostering the creative and intellectual development of America's children and youth through education and practical experience in the arts and the humanities. Accompanied by a cash award, the Coming Up Taller Awards not only reward these projects with recognition but also contribute significant support to their continued work.

First Lady Laura Bush announced the awards at a White House ceremony on January 28. The 2007 Massachusetts Coming Up Taller honorees are, Ritmo En Acción, Hyde Square Task Force, Boston (Winner); Playwright Mentoring Project, Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield (Winner); Intensive Community Program, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, Boston (Finalist); and Art a la Carte, Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Houses, Boston (Finalist). Information on each of the honored programs follows below. The teen dancers of Ritmo en Acción will perform at the reception.

In the ten-year history of the Coming Up Taller awards, 26 Massachusetts youth programs have received citations. “I am pleased that exceptional programs in my district like Hyde Square Task Force’s Ritmo En Acción are being recognized for their creativity and positive contribution to the community. This record of excellence reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering opportunities for young people to learn and excel,” said Representative Sánchez.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council makes vital investments in the creative education of our state’s young people through its grant programs. In particular, the MCC’s YouthReach Initiative, a program that provides public support for in-depth, out-of-school youth programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences, creates invaluable opportunities for the Commonwealth’s young people to develop artistic, academic, and social skills. Each of the 2007 Coming Up Taller honorees receives grant support from the MCC.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council reception for the 2007 Coming Up Taller honorees will take place at 4 p.m. at Cloud Place, 647 Boylston Street, Boston.

The Coming Up Taller Awards program is a project of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in partnership with Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.
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About the Massachusetts Coming Up Taller Honorees:

Barrington Stage Company, Sheffield
Playwright Mentoring Project for four groups of participants, ages 14-19, to create an entirely youth-conceived and written show under the guidance of professional playwrights, artistic mentors, and peer mentors, and then tour area schools and community venues.

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, Boston
The Intensive Community Program (ICP) provides rigorous string instrument instruction serving underrepresented youth. As a member of ICP, students become dedicated to and passionate about music.

Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Houses, Inc., Boston
Art A La Carte is an arts education program that connects Boston youth, ages 11-18, with artists/educators to obtain in-depth arts instruction, develop portfolios for college, learn about career opportunites, and gain practical skills in gallery and museum work.

Hyde Square Task Force, Inc., Boston
Ritmo en Acción Youth Dance Project allows minority teens to receive rigorous instruction in Latin dance and then teach younger children in the community and for children and teens to perform publicly for diverse audiences across Boston, receive academic support, and become active participants in organizing efforts to improve life for themselves and their community.