Press Releases

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) and Jane Chu, chairman of the National Endowments for the Arts, today released the following statements after Chairman Chu’s visit to Missouri’s 7^th Congressional District.

“From the first day I met Chairman Chu at her induction ceremony I could tell she was going to be one of President Obama's best picks,” said Rep. Long.“Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arkansas, Chairman Chu understands the value of middle America. So much so that she spent time working for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, as its president and CEO. I'm thrilled she accepted my offer to visit Missouri’s 7^th Congressional District to visit with leaders in the arts community and help non-profits with the grant writing process. I know the arts have played a huge role in my family's life as well as southwest Missouri.”

“The arts are important in many aspects of our lives, whether it’s giving us the tools for self-expression and creativity, bringing vitality to our communities, or improving our physical and mental health,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu.“I want to thank Congressman Long for this opportunity to share more about the National Endowment for the Arts and how we can support the arts community in Missouri.”

Chairman Chu toured and visited the Springfield Art Museum, Reed Middle School, Springfield Little Theater, the Creamery Arts Center, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.