Bangor - Senator Susan Collins congratulates Penobscot Theater on receiving two National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants for 2005 projects. These funds were awarded through the NEA's Access to Artistic Excellence grants program. $10,000 was awarded for The Laramie Project and $8,000 has been allocated toward PALS, a one-act play dealing with teen suicide. Penobscot Theater and Acadia Hospital have partnered together to produce PALS, which explores the causes and effects of teen suicide. PALS will tour Maine high schools and be accompanied by facilitated discussions on teen suicide. The Laramie Project is a powerful theatrical performance about the Matthew Shepard tragedy in Laramie, Wyoming. The play explores issues concerning anti-gay prejudice and violence. The goal of the project includes providing a setting for dialogue and contemplation of the issue.
"I am very pleased at the efforts taken by Penobscot Theater and Acadia Hospital to promote understanding and acceptance throughout the state on these issues," said Senator Susan Collins. "Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people 15-24 years of age. The suicide rate in Maine is 72 % higher than that of New England and 50 % higher than the national rate for that age group. For these reasons, finding ways to prevent teenage suicide has been one of my top priorities."
The National Endowment for the Arts helps support works of artistic excellence and advance learning in the arts. NEA's Access to Artistic Excellence grants program encourages and supports artistic creativity and preserves our diverse cultural heritage.
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