The National Endowment for the Arts is awarding Healing Newtown Arts Space a $30,000 grant.  NEA Acting Chair Joan Shigekawa says people have turned to the arts in the face of tragedy to find solace and emotional expression.  She called the volunteer work done at the center "remarkable".  Healing Newtown Arts Space was created after the December 14th shootings. 

Governor Malloy says this grant will help the group to continue to be a link between the community and the creative support from artists around the world.

5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty says for the people of Newtown, who have been through so much, the services of HealingNewtown are critically important.  She says the volunteer efforts, bringing the community together and cataloguing artwork represents tangible examples of just how much the people of Newtown have touched and inspired people around the world.

First Selectman Pat Llodra thanked NEA, Governor Malloy and the congressional delegation for their support to help Newtown’s Cultural Arts Commission create a sustainable model for the future. She says the HealingNewtown art space has had a positive impact on the community and continues to provide programs that support resiliency and a path forward.