Published: 1 years 195 days ago
Sacramento Bee: In Rocco Landesman's mind, the National Endowment for the Arts was not made to exist in a Washington political vacuum.
As chairman, Landesman, 63, is keen on breaking down the walls that
have traditionally existed between the NEA and other federal agencies.
Landesman is forging partnerships with other government agencies, akin to his involvement in the redevelopment of New York City's Times Square. The Obama administration, Landesman notes, sees the arts as a key vehicle in helping to improve quality of life, revitalize neighborhoods and create sustainable communities.
"Mayor Kevin Johnson is one of those mayors that gets it," said Landesman.
Landesman will make a brief appearance Friday during a meeting of Johnson's initiative.
"Rocco understands the role of the arts in a community as an economic engine and as a way to connect people, and he also sees the value of city support for the arts," said Johnson. "But more importantly, he galvanizes attention toward it."
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/11/08/3167001/neas-chief-sees-wide-role.html#ixzz14hv6WmSO
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