May 15, 2024

Manchin Announces $1.1 Million For Seven West Virginia Arts And Music Initiatives

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $1,121,900 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for seven initiatives in West Virginia. The funding will be used to expand arts programs statewide, as well as support the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Wheeling Symphony Society.

“West Virginia has a vibrant culture of arts and music, and our entire state is proud of the important role that artists and musicians play in our communities,” said Senator Manchin. “I’m pleased that NEA is investing more than $1.1 million in these seven programs to support our talented artists as they pursue their passions and enrich West Virginia. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to bolster similar programs across the Mountain State.”

Individual awards listed below:

  • $926,900 – West Virginia Division of Culture and History
    • This funding will support arts programs, services, and activities statewide.
  • $75,000 – RiffRaff Arts Collective
    • This funding will support the creation of mixed media recordings for a program that fosters dialogue in Princeton and rural Appalachia.
  • $40,000 – West Virginia Humanities Council
    • This funding will support an apprenticeship program within the Council.
  • $25,000 – Wheeling Symphony Society
    • This funding will support the Young People’s Concert Tour in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
  • $20,000 – West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
    • This funding will support a performance and statewide tour.
  • $20,000 – Augusta Heritage Center
    • This funding will support workshops, choirs, classes, and a festival featuring the traditional arts of West Virginia.
  • $15,000 – Greenbrier Repertory Theatre Company
    • This funding will support theatre production and development in Greenbrier County.