Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
Featured Stories
USAID: Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Fund
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following fact sheet:
AITF was established in 2010 to respond to the government's need for a dedicated financing mechanism to support infrastructure development in Afghanistan. Administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AITF is a multi-donor platform for bilateral, multilateral, and individual contributors to invest in infrastructure development projects that foster the country's economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the Afghan people.
AITF investments are closely aligned with Afghanistan development
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following fact sheet:
AITF was established in 2010 to respond to the government's need for a dedicated financing mechanism to support infrastructure development in Afghanistan. Administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AITF is a multi-donor platform for bilateral, multilateral, and individual contributors to invest in infrastructure development projects that foster the country's economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the Afghan people.
AITF investments are closely aligned with Afghanistan developmentpriorities, including the National Infrastructure Plan and the Self-Reliance Agenda. Since 2013, USAID has provided primarily on-budget grants financing for infrastructure and technical assistance in the energy and water sectors.
ACTIVITIES
* North-South Power Transmission Enhancement (2014 - 2021): USAID provided $104 million of this $216 million infrastructure project to supply electricity to one million people in 15 previously unserved areas in rural and urban Afghanistan. Construction of the transmission line and substations will accommodate both domestically produced power and imports from Afghanistan's northern neighbors.
* Energy Supply Investment Program (Bamyan Spur) (2016 - 2020): USAID provided $40 million of this $75 million project to build a transmission line and substation from Doshi to Bamyan that will provide low-cost power to Bamyan and other provinces in central Afghanistan.
* Kabul Managed Aquifer Recharge (2015 - 2020): USAID provided $7 million to the ADB to pilot-test managed aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery technologies as one solution to addressing the rapidly diminishing domestic water supply for Kabul City. The activity is ongoing and construction of the four managed aquifer recharge sites is expected to be completed by August 2019.
* Arghandab Integrated Water Resources (2017 - 2019): USAID provided $600,000 for the Arghandab Feasibility Study to design a multi-purpose dam project with four components: 1) Raising Dahla Dam, 2) Irrigation and agriculture development, 3) Improving water supply for Kandahar City, and 4) Hydroelectric power development.
* Gas Development Master Plan (2014 - 2016): USAID contributed $800,000 for preparation of a Gas Development Master Plan for Afghanistan (2015 - 2035).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
* North-South Power Transmission Enhancement: As of December 2018, the project was 54 percent complete.
* Energy Supply Investment Program (Bamyan Spur): As of December 2018, the project was 12.5 percent complete.
* Arghandab Integrated Water Resources: In 2018, the Asian Development Bank and World Bank signed a MOU with the Afghan government to fund the $400 million reconstruction of the multi-purpose dam and associated water supply activities in Kandahar.
* Gas Development Master Plan: The Gas Development Master Plan for Afghanistan, funded by USAID, was completed in April 2016 and provides a strategy for the sustainable development of the country's natural gas resources, national energy supply security, and protection of the environment.
USAID Issues Remarks at Press Roundtable on Ebola
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 18 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following remarks by Administrator Mark Green at the press roundtable on Ebola:
MR. BABINGTON: So, we'll kick things off. Thanks, first of all, everyone, for joining us this morning. We're kind of in the middle of our Africa trip. The Administrator's been to Eastern DRC, Rwanda -- yesterday, we returned from Somalia, and later today, we're off to Mozambique. But, wanted to use this time to just chat a little bit about some of his observations in the Eastern DRC, where he was over the weekend, and then, open it
... Show Full Article
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 18 -- The U.S. Agency for International Development issued the following remarks by Administrator Mark Green at the press roundtable on Ebola:
MR. BABINGTON: So, we'll kick things off. Thanks, first of all, everyone, for joining us this morning. We're kind of in the middle of our Africa trip. The Administrator's been to Eastern DRC, Rwanda -- yesterday, we returned from Somalia, and later today, we're off to Mozambique. But, wanted to use this time to just chat a little bit about some of his observations in the Eastern DRC, where he was over the weekend, and then, open itup for Q and A. So, maybe before we do that, if you just want to tell us who you are and what outlet you're working for.
REPORTER: Sure. My name's Sara Jerving; I'm a reporter with Devex.
REPORTER: My name is Omar Mohammed. I'm with Reuters here, in Nairobi.
REPORTER: My name is Moses, I'm with AP.
REPORTER: My name is Khalil, I'm with AP.
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: Thanks. Thanks for taking time, thanks for coming this morning. As Tom just mentioned, we're in the middle of an extensive Africa trip. Kenya's always particularly fun for me to visit. I lived here at one time; 30 years ago, I was a teacher in western Kenya. It's changed a little bit in 30 years, but nonetheless, it's always enjoyable to come back and have a chance to reconnect with the wonderful people of Kenya. This past weekend, I visited the cities of Goma, Butembo, and Katwa, in North Kivu province of the DRC. I had a chance to meet with healthcare workers at an Ebola Treatment Unit in Katwa, community and local leaders at the Emergency Operations Center in Butembo, and representatives of the NGO community.
Additionally, I have with me here today one of my staff, Sonali Korde, who -- this is actually her second trip to the region in a rather short period of time. She visited Butembo about a month ago. And so, she brought the additional perspective of time and change.
From our perspective, even though the WHO has not declared a public health emergency, it is very clear to me that this is a development emergency. As we all know, a deadly virus has struck a region of Africa that was already besieged over the years by a number of failures -- failures in development, a failure of democracy, and a failure of governance. And, this is a combustible, deadly mix. And I think, going forward, a number of things will need to happen.
First, I'm very pleased that the UN has responded to the donor community's call for a reset, and appointed David Gressly, a veteran of many crises, to lead the Ebola response in DRC. One of the most important things that we've heard from him, and had a very good discussion with him -- he said that, given all that he has seen in DRC and seen in other crises zones, there was nothing that he saw that was insurmountable. And, I agree with that optimistic assessment. And, I believe that as we move forward, when more order is brought to what has been a chaotic situation, I think that we will see progress. Steps need to be taken, but I believe they are steps that we can take.
Second, with over 2,168 cases and over 1,400 deaths, we need to turn distrust in the community, which has been well-reported by many of you, into an asset. We need to turn it into a community-based response. We need a response that engages all parts of the community not only to tackle the virus, but to rebuild the institutions that will be necessary so as not to leave the area vulnerable again for the next shock which could come its way. This includes a commitment to transparently communicating to the community all aspects of the response, from testing and treatment to finances and hiring.
And, there is no reason for information to be withheld from the community at all. We want to see a continued and deepening engagement, and utilization of the NGO and faith-based community actors who, as they pointed out to us -- they have been there for years, and they will continue to be there, partnering with local leaders, long after everybody else has left.
We need to see vaccines deployed more broadly, and we need to see an application of the latest recommendations in that regard. And, we need to see an effective approach to addressing security concerns in the region, and that needs to be done without militarizing the response, which will only further alienate the local community.
It was interesting to me that almost everyone that we spoke to, when they asked -- when we asked them what the biggest problem was, they would say, "security." And, you realized that "security" was a very broad term in their minds, that covered the obvious: the prevention of violence and conflict, to also taking steps towards eliminating distrust. They saw that as questions of security as well.
Third, the cases in Uganda clearly heightened the urgency to bolster Ebola preparedness efforts regionally and in Goma. There is room for improvement in real-time communication, coordination, and data-sharing, not just in DRC, but regionally. We have -- the United States government made a number of investments, along with other partners, in building preparedness systems. Those investments have been sound investments, and those investments need to continue.
Obviously, the crisis is far from over. I will have a few more announcements in coming weeks, as it relates to USAID's response efforts. But, this is obviously an important matter, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit the places that I did. So, in summary, I agree with David Gressly when he said that with all of the challenges -- and there are many -- there is nothing that is insurmountable. But, in order to take advantage of the openings that are there, to make real progress towards containing and eliminating the outbreak, there are steps that we need to do in close coordination with local actors from all parts of the community. And, I'm confident that those steps will be taken. And again, we will have some more concrete announcements in coming days, as early as next week. So, with that, I'd be happy to address any questions that you might have.
MR. BABINGTON: Sarah.
REPORTER: Yeah, actually, I'm wanting to start off first with a question about the move of the permanent Mission to Mogadishu. So, the Somali central government has been criticized for its kind of dismissive attitude towards other member states, including concerns on how foreign aid is spent and allocated. So, the U.S. government is considered a supporter of a strong, centralized approach in Somalia. There are concerns that moving the USAID office to Mogadishu, as kind of a symbolic act, will encourage this dismissive attitude, and give it more control -- give the central government more control over allocation of U.S. funds. Can you respond to these concerns, and --
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: Sure.
REPORTER: -- will the U.S. be putting effort into mending the ties between the central government and (inaudible) member states?
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: First off, no foreign government controls the allocation of U.S. funds -- first and foremost. Secondly, I am thrilled that we've reopened a Mission after nearly 30 years away. We took that step because we are seeing signs of a real commitment by the new government in Somalia, to undertake the kinds of reforms that we believe will be necessary in the long run to achieve the progress that we all want to see. And, first and foremost, that's why we've taken that step.
Secondly, we've made clear a key step towards self-reliance and realizing Somalia's potential is for the government to achieve the reforms it needs to achieve to receive debt relief. And, a big part of that is making sure that they are connected with, working with, listening to, and partnering with, the external governments. So, that it is not simply something managed from Mogadishu, but there is ongoing communication and partnership and coordination. So, that we have a government that represents not really one part of the country, but the entire country. And, the Prime Minister made very clear to us that he is committed to that, and we spoke with one of his Ministers who has been, as he put it, "always in motion." And so, I think that that's very important. We agree with that, that it is very important.
But Somalia has, we think, a good opportunity, and we look forward to walking shoulder-to-shoulder with them to help them achieve those reforms that will be necessary to rise and undo, obviously, years of challenge and violence and distrust.
REPORTER: Hi, I have a question about the level of preparedness in some of the countries that you went to, with regards to Ebola. If a situation, like what happened in Uganda last week, were to have been, let's say, in South Sudan. How prepared is USAID, do you think, to deal with that challenge?
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: Well, first, a few thoughts -- I'm not sure I can comment on the details of preparation in any given country other than where I've visited. However, what I can say is that the U.S. Government, USAID, CDC -- all of us who are involved in helping to strengthen health systems -- we have been working with local government leaders on preparedness not just for Ebola, but for other health challenges. In our model of assistance, we hope to help countries undertake the reforms and build the institutions needed to take on their own health challenges, all the while walking with them along the way.
We all recognize that the scourge of Ebola, a deadly virus -- when it emerges in a setting that has had years of conflict, distrust, lack of citizen responsiveness, and fragmentation, is an extraordinary challenge. And, we must remember that this recent outbreak in DRC is not the only outbreak of Ebola, but it is a virus that emerged in a very complicated setting at a very complicated point in the country's history. All of those forces combined, I think, to bring us to the terrible situation that we're in, in terms of loss of life and damage.
But, those are things that can be fixed, they must be fixed, and I am pleased to hear from David Gressly and others who have been responding to U.S. Government calls for a reset -- U.S. Government, as well as our partners, particularly the British -- those are encouraging. Again, we are a long way away from saying that this outbreak is entirely contained, but there are some positive signs. And again, I think the appointment of David Gressly is a positive sign, and Sonali can comment more to it, but in the roughly 30 days in between her visits, she saw that as signs of some progress.
MS. KORDE: Yes, that's correct. I think the appointment of David Gressly as the head -- definitely has been a very positive development. And, what we heard from others in the community and from the NGOs seemed to reflect that fact, as well. I'll also just say that USAID has been investing, and we've been working with partners in South Sudan, on Ebola preparedness efforts, as well. Those have been ongoing.
REPORTER: I'm wondering if you can further elaborate on kind of what the difference between the global emergency and the development emergency is, kind of, from your perspective? And kind of, how would the declaration of a global emergency have changed USAID's work on the ground, and at what point should the WHO --
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: Hold on. I'm not a medical doctor. I'm the son of a medical doctor. That doesn't give me much qualification. Again, what I can comment on is -- as a development guy who started off in East Africa 30 years ago -- it is very clear in DRC that decades of damage have been done. You have people who are impoverished, who have lost faith in institutions, who see outsiders coming in as -- in some cases, they see them as being more concerned about the virus than they are about them. Those are bad things. The way that you defeat this deadly virus is to harness the strength, the connections, and the spirit of every part of the community. Every part of the community is affected, every part of the community must be in the response, and that is, to me, the most important thing.
In DRC, we have work to do. We have to undo some of the damage and distrust that has built up over the years. I think we need to make the kinds of investments that make clear that there is hope, from a development perspective. And, I think we also have to redouble our efforts to demystify Ebola. One thing that I saw at the emergency treatment unit, which I was pleased with -- and understand, I've not been to an Ebola treatment unit before, so I have limited comparisons. But, in every step in the process, the tarped-off area that they were using, they used clear panels, so that people saw those who were in, from being tested to -- at least, in one case that I saw, a gentleman who had tested positive, which is, obviously, a difficult thing. And yet, the community and his family could at least come and see that he was being cared for respectfully, and as comfortably as possible.
Those kinds of steps, which may be small from a technical standpoint, are extraordinarily important from a community standpoint. Remember that in the earliest days of this outbreak, we all heard of rumors running around the place about Ebola, and other terms were tossed in. And a lack of information, a lack of trust, in those settings, is combustible. And, my opinion is that there should be completely transparent, regular reporting constantly, as to where resources are going, as to facilities that are enhanced or created, and the progress that is being made. There is no reason not to be sharing that information.
I know that when an outbreak occurs, it is a chaotic time often. And people are, sometimes, not so much panicked as harried and hurried. And you know, some of that is understandable, from a human nature perspective. But, turning to everyone in the community -- turning to elders, turning to institutions that are trusted, and being completely open and transparent is a step not to be bypassed. You know, we've seen, in taking on challenges from the AIDS pandemic, to even the more, quite frankly, common challenges of Malaria -- and I come from a Malaria background -- that progress was made, and success occurred, when it was completely transparent and everybody was involved. And, that needs to be the case here.
REPORTER: How can all of this be managed with also protecting aid workers on the ground, and what are the top concerns in terms of protection, as well as kind of what steps will USAID take?
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: Well, again, I -- the facilities that I visited -- and I'll stick to those, because I have first-hand knowledge of those -- I was actually quite impressed with the steps that were -- had been taken. You know, the -- again, I sound like a broken record, but the most important part of that is being very open with people as to how Ebola is spread.
When someone who is confirmed to have Ebola, when they are contagious, being very clear on those steps, again, helps to demystify the response, and then the steps, the obvious steps, of disinfectant and such become more effective, because people understand why those steps are taken and when they're taken. So, as you can tell, I'm a big believer in taking a broad approach to an outbreak of Ebola. We know what to do medically.
We know precisely what to do medically. We have vaccines, and while it remains a deadly disease, we've also seen progress. When people report early, their chances of survival are better and better. People are often prevented from reporting early. Anger, distrust, lack of knowledge, conflict -- you have to take those problems on to allow this to be addressed effectively medically, and that's why we believe it is a development emergency certainly.
REPORTER: I'm sorry. I actually meant security in terms of armed militia.
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: Oh. Well, there are a number of steps that need to be taken. I'm not fully qualified to answer all of that. But, again, when I take a look at insecurity, I think part of it does come from distrust, a distrust as to where resources are going and institutions who are being partnered with. Yes, clearly there are -- and I've heard various terms used, spoilers, and, again, these are terms that are used specifically in that setting. And, those are things to be concerned about. Anytime that healthcare facilities, in particular, are targeted, that obviously has -- any violence is bad. Any violence against individuals is bad, but when healthcare facilities are targeted such that a disruption in surveillance and treatment occurs, that is obviously exponentially worse.
MR. BABINGTON: We probably have time for one more question.
REPORTER: You talked about the reset with the UN. Is there any other areas that you think need to be reset in the Ebola response besides (inaudible) this issue of transparency?
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: We'll have more announcements next week.
REPORTER: Okay.
ADMINISTRATOR GREEN: For me, the most important step that I've seen to date was the appointment of Gressly so that you have a focal point which is always the most important step. I think that was an enormously important step. I'd like to think that my visit and meeting with NGO leaders, elected and community leaders, as well as families that that, too, is an important part of building a comprehensive response. You know, at USAID we have a DART as we call it, Disaster Assistance Response Team, that has been deployed for a number of months. It may be deployed by USAID, but it is a cross U.S. Government team. Our close partners, the Centers for Disease Control, are a critical part of this in bringing to bear medical knowledge and experience, and that obviously will be a key part of the response as well.
Readout From Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of Directors June 2019 Quarterly Meeting
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Millennium Challenge issued the following news release:
At its quarterly meeting, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors received an update from MCC Vice President of Administration and Finance (and Head of Agency) Cynthia Huger on agency operations. The Board also approved the minutes of the previous meeting, and was presented with preliminary results from the recently completed MCC Malawi and Zambia Compacts.
Malawi
MCC, in partnership with the Government of Malawi, recently completed a five-year, $350.7 million investment in Malawi's power
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Millennium Challenge issued the following news release:
At its quarterly meeting, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors received an update from MCC Vice President of Administration and Finance (and Head of Agency) Cynthia Huger on agency operations. The Board also approved the minutes of the previous meeting, and was presented with preliminary results from the recently completed MCC Malawi and Zambia Compacts.
Malawi
MCC, in partnership with the Government of Malawi, recently completed a five-year, $350.7 million investment in Malawi's powersector. The compact took a system-wide approach, with projects in infrastructure, institutional reform, and watershed management. When developing the compact, analyses of Malawi's economy revealed that it experienced substantial and consistent power outages of 8 to 12 hours a day due to insufficient power generation and old infrastructure, creating significant challenges for both businesses and households.
The compact's infrastructure improvements included refurbishing the 1960s-era Nkula A hydropower plant, construction of new high voltage transmission lines, and investments in Malawi's distribution network. To support sectoral reforms, MCC worked with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) to establish better systems for financial and operational management, and also helped the government create a new power generation company (EGENCO), to create an enabling environment for private sector investment. The compact also established better environmental practice, including land and river management to boost hydropower generation. The MCC Malawi compact trained nearly 50,000 women in natural resource management and leadership, and supported power utilities in adopting gender policies.
Zambia
MCC's $354.8 million compact partnership with Zambia is expected to impact 1.2 million people over 20 years. The compact invested in urban water supply, sanitation and drainage infrastructure. Related institutional strengthening was designed to decrease time spent collecting water and reduce water-borne diseases and floods within the capital city of Lusaka. Other goals included improving municipal water services and stabilizing the finances of the city's water utility.
The compact focused on infrastructure, strengthening partner institutions, and facilitating potential private sector investment opportunities. Infrastructure activities involved developing and rehabilitating Lusaka's water supply network, expanding its water-borne sewage network, and improving its storm-water drainage. Institutional reform efforts entailed strengthening the ability of the municipal government and the water utility to provide quality water-related services and maintain the compact's infrastructure investments. As part of these efforts, the compact drove the development of a waste management policy, the eventual passing of a Solid Waste Management and Regulation Law, and the establishment of an autonomous utility for waste collection and disposal. The compact also included a $10 million grant program to support innovative solutions to improve access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, household water and sanitation financing, and garbage management services for poor Lusaka communities.
Read more about the Malawi (https://www.mcc.gov/news-and-events/feature/malawi-compact-closeout) and Zambia (https://www.mcc.gov/news-and-events/feature/zambia-compact-closeout) programs.
Read more about where MCC is working. (https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work)
Read more about MCC's Board of Directors. (https://www.mcc.gov/about/org-unit/board-of-directors)
National Gallery of Art Awards 15 Summer Internships in Wide Variety of Curatorial, Educational, Administrative, and Other Roles
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Gallery of Art issued the following news release:
The National Gallery of Art has welcomed 15 emerging professionals to participate in its 2019 summer internship program, a nine-week opportunity for graduate-level and postgraduate students to work on projects directed by a Gallery department head or curator. The summer internship program runs from June 3 through August 2, 2019. Interns for this rigorous program are chosen based on a strong interest in museum work, outstanding academic achievement, and letters of recommendation, among other criteria. In addition
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Gallery of Art issued the following news release:
The National Gallery of Art has welcomed 15 emerging professionals to participate in its 2019 summer internship program, a nine-week opportunity for graduate-level and postgraduate students to work on projects directed by a Gallery department head or curator. The summer internship program runs from June 3 through August 2, 2019. Interns for this rigorous program are chosen based on a strong interest in museum work, outstanding academic achievement, and letters of recommendation, among other criteria. In additionto placements in traditional areas--curatorial, education, conservation, and administration--the Gallery also offers internships in architecture, communications, personnel, and more. As part of their regular work schedule, interns attend a biweekly seminar that introduces them to the broad spectrum of museum work at the Gallery, including departments, staff, functions, and programs.
The internship program is supported by individual gifts and endowment funds and is administered by the department of academic programs in the division of education. Information about the summer internship program, as well as about other Gallery internships and fellowships, is available at nga.gov/interns or by calling (202) 842-6257.
2019 National Gallery of Art Summer Interns
Pim Arts
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Pim received a BA (Scandinavian languages) from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, the Netherlands, and a dual MA (curating art and cultures) from Universiteit van Amsterdam, the Netherlands. As a component of his MA, he was a yearlong curator-in-training at the Rijksmuseum, where he was most recently a junior curator of 16th-century fine arts. This summer, he will assist staff in the department of Northern Baroque paintings with cataloging the permanent collection's 16th- and 17th-century paintings, in particular those works acquired by the Gallery from the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Savannah Dearhamer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Savannah received a BA (art history and business administration, minor in studio art) from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and currently is a Gluck Fellow at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), where she also is pursuing an MA (art history). She has interned at a variety of collections, including UCR ARTS, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Des Moines Art Center. Savannah also was an art restoration apprentice at Studio di Lari, Florence, Italy. This summer, she will assist with the online catalogue raisonne of Mark Rothko's works on paper.
Ana Garcia
Riverside, California
Ana received a BA (art history) from California State University, Fullerton. She has interned at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton and at the Riverside Art Museum. Last summer, she attended a workshop at the University of California, Los Angeles/Getty Conservation Labs at the Getty Villa. As an intern in painting conversation, Ana will work to fulfill graduate school prerequisites to apply to MA programs in art conservation.
Hannah Guy-Mozenter
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Hannah recently received a BA (American studies) from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Previously, she interned in the Community Engagement and Investment Department at the People's Light Theatre in Malvern, Pennsylvania. This summer, she will intern in the Gallery's travel office.
Siamack Hajimohammad
Tehran, Iran
Siamack received a BS (physics) from Shiraz University, Iran, an MFA (photography) from Tehran University of Art, Iran, and an MA (visual and critical studies) from the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD (art history) at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he is a research assistant in the department of art history. This summer, Siamack will help to research Middle Eastern women photographers for an upcoming exhibition.
Maximillian Hernandez
Genoa, Italy, and Boston, Massachusetts
Maximillian received a BA (history and preservation of artistic heritage) and an MA (art history) from the Universita di Firenze. He has interned at the Museum Fine Arts, Boston, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. This summer, he will assist with the preparations for several exhibitions, including those on Andrea del Verrocchio and Alonso Berruguete.
Katherine Koltiska
Lakewood, Ohio
Katherine earned a BFA (studio art, minor in art history) from Alfred University, Alfred, New York, an MA (art history) from the Pennsylvania State University, where she currently is a PhD candidate (art history) and a John C. O'Connor endowed graduate fellow. Previously, she was the Silver Trout Curatorial Graduate Intern at the Palmer Museum of Art, University Park, Pennsylvania. She has interned at the Cleveland Museum of Art and The Sculpture Center in Cleveland. This summer, Katherine will assist with planning and research for an upcoming exhibition and publication devoted to John Singer Sargent and Spain.
Elena Lansing
Boise, Idaho
Elena earned a BA (anthropology) from Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, and is currently pursuing an MA (business administration) at Boise State University, Idaho. Previously, she interned at the office of Oregon State Representative Chris Harker. For her summer project, Elena will work with the budget and planning department.
Shereka Mosley
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Shereka received an Associate of Arts (general studies) from Germanna Community College, Fredericksburg, a BA (art history) from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, and currently is pursuing an MA (art history) at American University. She has interned at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Norfolk. This summer, Shereka will assist with the Teacher Institute.
Maggie Nolan
Belmont, North Carolina
Maggie earned a BA (art history and historic preservation and community planning) from the College of Charleston. She currently is pursuing a JD at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Previously, Maggie was a community engagement intern at Historic Environment Scotland, a cultural projects and events intern at the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs, and a collection care intern at Edmondston-Alston House Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. This summer, Maggie will work in the department of personnel, assisting attorneys with legal matters.
Katie O'Hara
Andover, Massachusetts
Katie received a BA (art history and history, concentration in museum studies) from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts. She currently is pursuing an MA (museum studies) at Georgetown University. Previously, she was a curatorial intern at Georgetown University's Booth Family Center for Special Collections, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. For her summer internship, she will assist in the research and organization of an upcoming exhibition on women photographers.
Mark Ramirez
Clinton Township, Michigan
Mark received a BA (history with minors in medieval and early modern studies and museum studies) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he currently is pursuing an MS (information) and a graduate certificate (museum studies). He has interned at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History and the University of Michigan Museum of Anthropological Archaeology. This summer, Mark will intern in Gallery Archives.
Genevieve Westerby
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Genevieve earned a BA (art history) from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, and an MA (art history) from the University of Denver. She currently is pursuing a CTPhD (curatorial-track, art history) at the University of Delaware, Newark. Previously, she was a curatorial intern at the International Print Center New York and the Denver Art Museum. This summer, Genevieve will provide research assistance for upcoming exhibition projects in the department of French paintings.
Meera White
Atlanta, Georgia
Meera earned a BA (history, concentration in Latino/a studies) from Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. She currently is pursuing an MA (public humanities) at Brown University, Providence, where she is a curatorial fellow at the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity. Previously, she was a Robert Frederick Smith Intern, assisting with publications and digital imaging at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. For her summer internship, Meera will research, catalog, and digitize material in the Library's Evans-Tibbs Archive of African American Art.
Hannah Wier
Jacksonville, Florida
Hannah earned a BA (art history, minors in French language and museum studies) from Florida State University, Tallahassee. She currently is pursuing an MA (art history) at Washington University in St. Louis. Hannah has interned in the department of European painting and sculpture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the departments of exhibition design and installation at Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts. This summer, she will work on a variety of education activities. She also will help the department of curatorial records and files to integrate into the curatorial files documentation on recent acquisitions.
National Endowment for the Arts Announces 2019 NEA National Heritage Fellows
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Endowment for the Arts issued the following news:
* * *
- NEA National Heritage Fellows to be Honored in Washington, DC September 18 & 20, 2019
* * *
Today the National Endowment for the Arts announced the 2019 NEA National Heritage Fellows, recipients of the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. The 2019 recipients are masters of a wide range of folk and traditional art forms: Tejano singing, Basque music, and balafon playing; Spanish colcha embroidery, decoy carving, and leatherworking, as well as storytelling. Each fellowship includes
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Endowment for the Arts issued the following news:
* * *
- NEA National Heritage Fellows to be Honored in Washington, DC September 18 & 20, 2019
* * *
Today the National Endowment for the Arts announced the 2019 NEA National Heritage Fellows, recipients of the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. The 2019 recipients are masters of a wide range of folk and traditional art forms: Tejano singing, Basque music, and balafon playing; Spanish colcha embroidery, decoy carving, and leatherworking, as well as storytelling. Each fellowship includesan award of $25,000 and the recipients will be honored at two public events on September 18 and 20, 2019 in Washington, DC.
The 2019 NEA National Heritage Fellows are:
* Dan Ansotegui, Basque musician and tradition bearer from Boise, Idaho
* Grant Bulltail, Crow storyteller from Crow Agency, Montana
* Linda Goss, African-American storyteller from Baltimore, Maryland
* James F. Jackson, leatherworker from Sheridan, Wyoming
* Balla Kouyate, balafon player and djeli from Medford, Massachusetts
* Josephine Lobato, Spanish colcha embroiderer from Westminster, Colorado
* Rich Smoker, decoy carver from Marion Station, Maryland
* Las Tesoros de San Antonio--Beatriz (La Paloma del Norte) Llamas and Blanquita (Blanca Rosa) Rodriguez, Tejano singers from San Antonio, Texas
* Bob Fulcher, folklorist and state park manager from Clinton, Tennessee
Fulcher is the recipient of the 2019 Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship in recognition of an individual who has made a significant contribution to the preservation and awareness of cultural heritage.
"The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to recognize these artists and the important role they play in our nation's vibrant cultural landscape," said Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. "Whether it's through storytelling, mentoring, or performance, these Heritage Fellows are committed to sharing their art forms with others."
2019 NEA National Heritage Fellowships Events
The National Endowment for the Arts will collaborate with the National Council for the Traditional Arts on two events in celebration of the National Heritage Fellows, both of which are free and open to the public to attend:
* The NEA National Heritage Fellowships Awards Ceremony will take place at the Library of Congress's Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street SE in Washington, DC on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
* The NEA National Heritage Fellowships Concert will take place at Shakespeare Theatre Company's Sidney Harman Hall at 610 F Street NW in Washington, DC on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. The concert will also be webcast live at arts.gov. More concert details and ticket information will be available later this summer.
About the NEA National Heritage Fellowships
The National Heritage Fellowships--the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts--recognize the recipients' artistic excellence and support their continuing contributions to the country's traditional arts heritage. Including the 2019 class, the Arts Endowment has awarded 440 NEA National Heritage Fellowships, recognizing artists working in more than 200 distinct art forms, including bluesman B.B. King, Cajun fiddler and composer Michael Doucet, sweetgrass basketweaver Mary Jackson, cowboy poet Wally McRae, Kathak dancer and choreographer Chitresh Das, and gospel and soul singer Mavis Staples. More information about the NEA National Heritage Fellows is available on the NEA's website. (https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage)
Fellowship recipients are nominated by the public, often by members of their own communities, and then judged by a panel of experts in the folk and traditional arts. The panel's recommendations are reviewed by the National Council on the Arts, which sends its recommendations to the Arts Endowment chairman, who makes the final decision. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2020 class of NEA National Heritage Fellows is July 30, 2019. Visit the National Endowment for the Arts website (https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/nomination.html) for more information and to submit a nomination.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America's rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.
National Academies Presidents Affirm the Scientific Evidence of Climate Change
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
Recently, questions have been raised about climate science. The National Academies have addressed many of these questions in our independent, evidence-based reports. We are speaking out to support the cumulative scientific evidence for climate change and the scientists who continue to advance our understanding.
Scientists have known for some time, from multiple lines of evidence, that humans are changing Earth's climate, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions. The evidence on the impacts of climate change is
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
Recently, questions have been raised about climate science. The National Academies have addressed many of these questions in our independent, evidence-based reports. We are speaking out to support the cumulative scientific evidence for climate change and the scientists who continue to advance our understanding.
Scientists have known for some time, from multiple lines of evidence, that humans are changing Earth's climate, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions. The evidence on the impacts of climate change isalso clear and growing. The atmosphere and the Earth's oceans are warming, the magnitude and frequency of certain extreme events are increasing, and sea level is rising along our coasts.
The National Academies are focused on further understanding climate change and how to limit its magnitude and adapt to its impacts, including on health. We also recognize the need to more clearly communicate what we know. To that end, in 2018, the National Academies launched an initiative to make it easier for decision makers and the public to use our extensive body of work to inform their decisions. In addition, we will be expanding our Based on Science communications effort to include clear, concise, and evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about climate change.
A solid foundation of scientific evidence on climate change exists. It should be recognized, built upon, and most importantly, acted upon for the benefit of society.
Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences
D. Mote, Jr.
President, National Academy of Engineering
Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine
National Academies Presidents Affirm the Scientific Evidence of Climate Change
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
Recently, questions have been raised about climate science. The National Academies have addressed many of these questions in our independent, evidence-based reports. We are speaking out to support the cumulative scientific evidence for climate change and the scientists who continue to advance our understanding.
Scientists have known for some time, from multiple lines of evidence, that humans are changing Earth's climate, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions. The evidence
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
Recently, questions have been raised about climate science. The National Academies have addressed many of these questions in our independent, evidence-based reports. We are speaking out to support the cumulative scientific evidence for climate change and the scientists who continue to advance our understanding.
Scientists have known for some time, from multiple lines of evidence, that humans are changing Earth's climate, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions. The evidenceon the impacts of climate change is also clear and growing. The atmosphere and the Earth's oceans are warming, the magnitude and frequency of certain extreme events are increasing, and sea level is rising along our coasts.
The National Academies are focused on further understanding climate change and how to limit its magnitude and adapt to its impacts, including on health. We also recognize the need to more clearly communicate what we know. To that end, in 2018, the National Academies launched an initiative to make it easier for decision makers and the public to use our extensive body of work to inform their decisions. In addition, we will be expanding our Based on Science communications effort to include clear, concise, and evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions about climate change.
A solid foundation of scientific evidence on climate change exists. It should be recognized, built upon, and most importantly, acted upon for the benefit of society.
Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences
C. D. Mote, Jr.
President, National Academy of Engineering
Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine
