The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced that the community of Manning will be receiving a portion of their $25 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2018. Chairman, Jane Chu, has approved the funding, which includes a $10,000 Challenge America Grant for the installation of public art in the new Manning Trestle Park. The intent of this particular grant is to “extend the reach of art to underserved populations,” defining those as people whose access is limited by their geography, ethnicity, economics or disability. “It is energizing to see the impact the arts are making throughout the United States,” Chu says. “These NEA-supported projects, such as the one to the City of Manning, are good examples of how the arts build stronger and more vibrant communities, improve well-being, prepare our children to succeed and increase the quality of our lives,” she adds. Manning City Administrator, Dawn Meyer, says they are very excited to partner with the NEA for the installation of new art pieces. “The art designs from the Iowa State students were well-received and we are thankful that we will be able to implement more of them, thanks to the NEA funding.” A large IOWA sculpture has already been installed at the new Trestle Park, but more art has been designed to complement the community, including some interactive art pieces. The funding from the NEA will be used to fabricate and install some of these designs.
