Evening of storytelling and dancing set for Aug. 31 at White Clay Creek State Park

NEWARK – The staff at White Clay Creek State Park invites the public to a very special extension of their free Wednesday Night Concert series. Starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, visitors will enjoy songs and interactive storytelling followed by interactive dancing at the park’s Carpenter Recreation Area, 880 New London Road, Newark DE, 19711. The programs are free; however, state park entry fees will be in effect.

Starting the evening will be Oni Lasana as Mama Earth. Lasana is an advocate for storytelling, Arts-in-Education and community theater, and is dedicated to coaching and collaborating youth and adults. She will share stories and songs of nature for families.

At 7 p.m., University of Delaware’s premier Bollywood-fusion dance team, Delaware Kamaal Dancers, will bring various styles of dance to the park. This nationally ranked group will perform and interacts with the audience by instructing them in the dance.

Delaware State Parks is able to offer these free, family-friendly programs thanks in part by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division of Parks & Recreation promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.

More information about this and other Delaware State Parks programs is available at destateparks.com.

Media Contacts: Barbara Woodford, White Clay Creek State Park, 302-368-6560, barbara.woodford@delaware.gov; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@delaware.gov

Vol. 46, No. 306


Delaware Division of the Arts invests $2.9 million in the arts sector for Fiscal Year 2015

The Delaware Division of the Arts announces the awarding of $2.9 million in grants for Fiscal Year 2015, to support 110 arts initiatives throughout the state. Twenty-five communities across Delaware, from Arden to Seaford, will receive grants to support arts programming and services, arts education, and related arts marketing and promotion.

“A vibrant arts environment stimulates the economy and provides a richer quality of life,” said Governor Jack Markell. “In Delaware, where the arts are among our top 10 employers, we see how the arts contribute to the revitalization of downtown areas, enhance our educational system, and attract new businesses and residents to the state.”

Division grants support a variety of projects and programs, from storytelling for preschool reading readiness, to professional performances in dance, theater, and music. Delaware museums and art leagues in large and small communities alike receive support for internationally recognized collections as well as local artists and artisans.

“With a wide array of very strong applications this year, funding decisions were particularly challenging,” reported Division Director Paul Weagraff. “Panelists from across the state deliberated thoroughly and thoughtfully to assist in reviewing and ranking applicants in all grant categories. This input from our constituents helps to ensure that we are supporting arts programming that is of high quality and serves all Delawareans.”

Funding for the Division of the Arts to support arts programming in Delaware comes from the Delaware General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

A complete listing of Fiscal Year 2015 grants can be found at: www.artsdel.org/grants/grantawards2015.pdf.