U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, National Endowment for the Arts Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson Celebrate New Haven Arts
NEA Chair visited New Haven to tour Botanical Garden of Healing, Downtown Murals, and hold Roundtable on the arts
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) hosted National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson on Saturday June 15 to celebrate New Haven Arts. Dr. Jackson helped kick off this year’s Arts and Ideas Festival, met with local programs and NEA grantees, toured New Haven’s downtown mural projects, and toured New Haven’s Botanical Garden of Healing to explore the intersection of art and healing.
“Art is not a luxury or a distraction, it is essential and humanity’s common heritage,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “It gives our lives meaning and depth and helps express the part of ourselves that is most difficult but important to share. I was honored to host NEA Chair Dr. Jackson this weekend to show her all that New Haven has to offer to the arts. She understands deeply how important art is in weaving us together, and as NEA Chair, is committed to empowering artists in our community and across the United States to pursue their craft. I felt so much pride exploring New Haven’s art community with her this weekend and was honored to help kick off the Arts and Ideas Festival.”
“It was an honor to visit the dynamic arts community in New Haven with Congresswoman DeLauro,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “At New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing, I saw firsthand the power of the arts to connect community and provide space for awareness, hope, and healing. The works of art throughout the downtown and in neighborhoods are evidence of the vibrant diversity in New Haven and the art community’s contribution to inclusivity and connection. As the nation’s arts agency, it is important to understand the different needs of artists and arts organizations in communities throughout the country. I am grateful to Congresswoman DeLauro and New Haven arts leaders for our continued work together to ensure all Americans can thrive through the arts.”
Photos from this weekend’s events are available here.