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Official Statement on the Nomination of Dana Gioia To Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org


Attribute to:
Frank J. Guarini, Chairman, The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and former U.S. Congressman

(WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 31, 2002) “The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) applauds President George W. Bush on his intention to nominate poet, critic, educator, and former business executive, Dana Gioia as the next Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. We are delighted that once confirmed Gioia would be the first Italian American Chairman of the NEA.

We are proud of Mr. Gioia’s many accomplishments in furthering the importance of the Arts in today’s society through his numerous published books of poetry, critical essays and reviews. He is the winner of the American Book Award and best known for his 1991 book, Can Poetry Matter? Mr. Gioia has also distinguished himself as a classical music critic and visiting writer at America’s most prestigious institutions of higher education.

Gioia’s nomination will be considered by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. The NIAF urged that the Committee consider the nomination during the lame duck session of the 107th Congress scheduled later in November.

We urge Members of the Committee to take swift action on his nomination.