Washington, D.C.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated the Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) and the La Frontera Mariachi Conference on receiving new $15,000 and $35,000 awards, respectively, from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The TPAC award will support the organization’s field work in promoting cultural programs and cultural studies around Southern Arizona, and the Mariachi Conference grant will support the group’s 2011 mariachi event from April 26-30 in Tucson.

The grants are part of an NEA round of more than $24 million to more than 850 organizations across the country.  NEA grants generate, on average, seven dollars from non-federal sources for each dollar awarded, according to federal budget research.

“Promoting culture is an important part of Southern Arizona’s economy and quality of life,” Grijalva said. “These are good local grants to deserving organizations, and I salute them both for pursuing the economic opportunities that keep our region vibrant and successful.”

The NEA welcomes applications for arts projects in every Congressional district. New application guidelines will be available in January at www.arts.gov.

For more information on the TPAC grant, call Roberto Bedoya at (520) 624-0595. For more information on the Mariachi Conference grant, call Lolie Gomez at (520) 838-3908.