WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn-3) today announced $30,000 in two National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Access to Artistic Excellence grants to promote dance and theater in Connecticut. The Long Wharf Theater received a grant in the amount of $20,000 to support the production of Tom Stoppard’s Travesties, while Wesleyan University received a grant in the amount of $10,000 to support performances and residency activities by dance companies.

“Connecticut is fortunate to have a number of opportunities to explore the arts,” said DeLauro. “Our theaters, universities, and museums are constant sources of creative expression. That two of these institutions were honored with NEA grants is proof that their achievements stretch beyond Connecticut to the national art community.”

“I am grateful that the National Endowment for the Arts has been awarded a grant to help support Long Wharf Theatre’s production of Tom Stoppard’s brilliant play, Travesties,” said Michael Stotts, Managing Director of Long Wharf Theatre. “It is so important that the NEA continue to support artistic projects of merit at regional theatres and other arts institutions throughout the country. The NEA’s support of this project, and to the theatre, is a vote of confidence in our mission and in our work.”

Stoppard’s Tony Award-winning play, starring Sam Waterston, is the capstone of Long Wharf’s 40th Anniversary Season and will run from May 4 - June 5, 2005.

Center for the Arts Director Pamela Tatge commented, “I am elated that the NEA chose to recognize Wesleyan's programming with its first-ever grant to the Breaking Ground Dance Series. These funds will help us to bring the best contemporary dance companies to the Center for the Arts in 2005-06, including a world premiere by the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. The NEA's support is invaluable in sustaining the CFA's role as a preeminent center for contemporary dance in New England.”

Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts generate, on average, seven dollars for each dollar awarded. In its first major grant announcement of Fiscal Year 2005, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced that it awarded more than $21 million in 839 grants.

Connecticut art projects interested in learning how they can apply for NEA grants, can visit .