PORTLAND
National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $30 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $10,000 to Portland Stage for their world premiere Mainstage production of “ String Around My Finger” by Brenda Withers, the 2016 Clauder Competition Winner.
The Art Works category focuses 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 the strengthening of communities through the arts.
“The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as Portland Stage, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Whether in a theater, a town square, a museum, or a hospital, the arts are everywhere and make our lives richer.”
“Portland Stage is grateful for the recognition and endorsement of the Nation Endowment of the Arts,” said Anita Stewart, Portland Stage executive and artistic director. “A great nation deserves great art. Theater is a safe place to come together, share stories, and build community. Today, more than ever, I understand our responsibility as a cultural institution to forge strong connections and incite meaningful change.”
Portland Stage will develop and produce the world premiere production of “String Around My Finger” by Brenda Withers as part of the 2016- 17 subscription season. In “ String Around My Finger,” Emma and Kip are preparing for their upcoming wedding when a personal crisis upends their plans. In the wake of a medical emergency, family pressures, chance encounters and towering hospital bills, the young couple is tempted to reconsider their relationship. An unexpected comedy about big choices, small kindnesses, and getting a grip on letting go, String Around My Finger was the grand prize winner of the 2016 Clauder Competition. “String” was selected from over 200 plays openly submitted by New England writers for this award.
For more information about Portland Stage, visit www.portlandstage.org. For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
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