Latest news with #PoetryOutLoud
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Potential federal cuts could impact Alabama arts programs
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., is pictured on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Congress could cut funds for the National Endowment for the Arts, which would directly impact $1 million in arts grants in Alabama. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) Alabama arts programs may face up to $1 million in cuts if the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts funds for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Alabama Council of the Arts said earlier this month it is anticipating cuts at the federal level soon. They said that representatives from DOGE were scheduled to visit NEA offices. 'Any cuts to federal funding for state partnerships would directly impact our grant programs, reducing our available funds by up to $1 million annually,' Executive Director Elliot Knight said in a statement Wednesday. According to the Council, the NEA makes up 15% of its budget with the rest coming from the Alabama Legislature through the Education Trust Fund (ETF). The 2026 ETF received approval from the House on Tuesday, which included an $85,000 increase from the current budget and Gov. Kay Ivey's 2026 recommendation. The Council awarded $14.7 million in grants over the last five years, according to the statement. Knight also said the Council uses 100% of its federal funds for grants. 'Public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that ensures all Alabamians have access to arts programming,' Knight said. The federal cuts would have to be approved by Congress. 'Please help us make sure that all members of Alabama's Congressional delegation understand how Alabama workers and communities will be negatively impacted by the cuts to NEH and IMLS grants and potential cuts to NEA grants,' Knight said. According to the statement, Poetry Out Loud is one program funded with federal dollars. The national arts education program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition. Knight said this is one of the programs that would be impacted by NEA cuts. 'The arts are more than just an expression of beauty; they are a driver of innovation, contributing to Alabama's economic growth and global competitiveness,' he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local high school student named Iowa state poetry champion, advances to nationals
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — A local high school student has been crowned the state champion in poetry. Emma Oleson from Sioux City North High School was named the 2025 Poetry Out Loud Iowa State Champion during the state finals on March 9 in Des Moines. Kids under 16 no longer allowed at Southern Hills Mall unsupervised The Iowa Economic Development and Finance Authority's Iowa Arts & Culture Facebook page said Oleson earned $200 for her school and an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, D.C, on May 5-7. This year is the 20th anniversary of the Poetry Out Loud program in Iowa. The arts education program encourages students in grades 9th through 12th to study poetry and compete in a recitation competition at local, state and national levels. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
