THE OBO ADDY LEGACY PROJECT receives NEA grant to support THE MASTERS PROJECT

PORTLAND, Ore. — National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Rocco Landesman has announced that the Obo Addy Legacy Project is one of 832 non-profit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. The Obo Addy Legacy Project is recommended for a $12,500 grant to support a tribute concert to be held one year after Obo’s death.

This project features a collaboration with The Obo Addy Legacy Project traditional drummers from Ghana and the Randy Weston Trio showing the connections between jazz and West African music. Randy Weston and his group will be offering an outreach activity at Cleveland High School for students in the jazz program.

“I’m proud to announce these 832 grants to the American public including The Obo Addy Legacy Project,” said Chairman Landesman. “These projects offer extraordinary examples of creativity in our country, including the creation of new work, innovative ways of engaging audiences, and exemplary education programs.”

Susan Addy said, “This project was a dream of Obo’s – to showcase his rhythms and the traditions of his country with the artistry and creativity of Randy Weston and his African infused work.”

In March 2012, the NEA received 1,509 eligible applications for Art Works requesting more than $74 million in funding. The 832 recommended NEA grants total $22.3 million, span 13 artistic disciplines and fields, and focus primarily on the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing works for the benefit of American audiences. Applications were reviewed by panels of outside experts convened by NEA staff and each project was judged on its artistic excellence and artistic merit.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at www.arts.gov.