National Endowment for the Arts  
National Initiatives
 
National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowships

The NEA Jazz Masters program confers the nation's highest honor for this uniquely American art on living artists. Newly named NEA Jazz Masters receive their nation's recognition at an awards ceremony and concert and are provided with a one-time fellowship of $25,000. The program also includes a touring program, television and radio broadcasts, compact disc recordings, and a new publication.

Shakespeare in American Communities

Shakespeare in American Communities is the largest theatrical tour of Shakespeare in our nation's history. The tour will bring professional productions of Shakespeare to more than 100 small and mid-sized communities in all 50 states and 16 military bases.

American Masterpieces

American Masterpieces: Three Centuries of Genius will consist of three components - touring, local presentations, and arts education. Programs presenting acknowledged masterpieces selected from a wide variety of art forms will tour to large and small communities in all 50 states.

Operation Homecoming

Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience is a program for U.S. military personnel and their families. This unique literary program is aimed at preserving the stories and reflections of American troops who have served our nation on the frontlines –– as in Afghanistan and Iraq –– and stateside defending the homeland.