FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2008

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Invites 2009 Coming Up Taller Award Nominations

For excellence in afterschool, out-of-school,
and summer arts and humanities programs
Deadline—January 30

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is inviting nominations for the 2009 Coming Up Taller awards, which honor excellence in afterschool, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. Coming Up Taller is an initiative of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) in partnership with IMLS, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Click here for the nomination form.

Each year, the Coming Up Taller awards recognize and reward exceptional programs that cultivate character development and life skills in young people, in addition to presenting high-quality arts and humanities learning opportunities. Award recipients receive $10,000 each, an individualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. PCAH and its partners encourage programs initiated by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, colleges, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, businesses, and eligible government entities to participate.

At the 2008 Coming Up Taller awards ceremony, Mrs. Laura Bush remarked,” The study of the arts and humanities gives children the chance to be extraordinary and the power to be themselves. Today, we're honoring 19 terrific programs that help young people use their creativity and their talents to succeed."

Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities
The President of the United States recognizes that the Nation’s cultural life contributes to the vibrancy of society and the strength of democracy. The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities helps to incorporate the arts and humanities into White House objectives. The Committee bridges federal agencies and the private sector. It recognizes cultural excellence, engages in research, initiates special projects, and stimulates private funding. Areas of current focus include programs in youth arts and humanities learning; preservation and conservation; special events; and expansion of international cultural relations. For more information: www.pcah.gov.

National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information: www.arts.gov.

National Endowment for the Humanities
Because democracy demands wisdom, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) serves and strengthens our Republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The Endowment accomplishes this mission by providing grants for high-quality humanities projects in four funding areas: preserving and providing access to cultural resources, education, research, and public programs. For more information: www.neh.gov.