On Wednesday, December 18^th, Congressman Henry Cuellar and Laredo Center for the Arts Executive Director Gabriel Castillo announced that the Laredo Center for the Arts had earned a $10,000 competitive grant to support their program titled “The Book Nook Academy.” The grant funds come from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Art Engagement in American Communities program for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations.  The International Bank of Commerce in Laredo also matched the grant funding for the Laredo Center for the Arts. 

“I am pleased to see the federal government partnering with the Laredo Center for the Arts to further the promotion of the arts here in Laredo—especially amongst our community’s youth,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “A child’s education is not complete unless it includes the arts. In today’s economy, people need more than just skills and knowledge to be productive and innovative participants in the workforce—there must be a combination of knowledge and creativity. I applaud the Laredo Center for the Arts for its success application and I look forward to seeing the results of its continued efforts to engage children in the world of the arts.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar, Gabriel Castillo, Executive Director of the Laredo Center for the Arts, Gabriela Carriedo Vice President Marketing and Public Relations for IBC, and Laredo Center for the Arts Board Members present the grant earned by LCA through a competitive application process.

"The National Endowment for the Arts grant will enhance our arts and literacy projects for the upcoming year,” said Gabriel Castillo, Executive Director of the Laredo Center for the Arts.  “This program inspires students to read while learning about our border heritage and traditions.  It is the perfect combination to promote, develop and preserve the arts and enhance the cultural experience for young people from all walks of life."

“The Book Nook Academy” program will provide students within the ages of 6 to 14 with a new, fun-filled learning experience into the world of the arts by hosting a variety of workshops on topics such as musical theater, the culinary arts, traditional dance troupes, broadcast journalism, and many more.

Congressman Cuellar speaks tours the Laredo Center for the Arts and speaks with attendees of the grant presentation event.