On Wednesday, President Obama made official his nomination for chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, a position that has been vacant since November 2012.
The White House nominates Dr. Jane Chu, Chief Executive Officer for the Kauffman Center of Kansas City, MO. President Obama issued a statement on the nomination, saying, “Jane’s lifelong passion for the arts and her background in philanthropy have made her a powerful advocate for artists and arts education in Kansas City. She knows firsthand how art can open minds, transform lives and revitalize communities, and believes deeply in the importance of the arts to our national culture. I’m proud to nominate her as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.”
Dr. Chu holds musical degrees as well as a master’s degree in business administration and a Ph.D. in philanthropic studies. Her nomination was followed by praise from the arts community. In a statement released by the Kauffman Center, chairwoman Julia Irene Kauffman said, ““Although we will miss her at the Kauffman Center, I believe the president has chosen wisely and we wish her well in this important endeavor.”
The nomination of Dr. Chu will be sent to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration. If approved by the Committee, the nomination will proceed to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.
Read more about Dr. Chu and the nomination here:
New York Times: Obama to Nominate Jane Chu to Head Arts Endowment
Washington Post: Obama to nominate Jane Chu to chair National Endowment for the Arts
L.A. Times: Obama picks low-profile arts center executive to chair the NEA
Shannon Kelly, Director of Advocacy, February 14, 2014. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)
