Arts in the Armed Forces

receives $200,000 grant

from Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Brooklyn, NY (February 20, 2019) – Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) is pleased to announce that it has received a $200,000 grant from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the personal organization of craigslist founder Craig Newmark, in support of its 2019 season.

These funds will provide critical, visionary operating support that will allow AITAF to pursue an ambitious calendar of 15 free arts events, serving over 3,000 active duty military and veterans, at US military installations and local performance venues all over the world.

“This tremendous gift will propel our growth by allowing us to not only confidently execute our annual calendar of events and offer the best of the arts to even more men and women of our armed forces but also strategically plan for years ahead. We are honored to be included in Mr. Newmark’s giving priorities.” – Lindsay Miserandino, Executive Director

“Active service members, veterans, and military families deserve recognition for their service year-round. That’s why I support Arts in the Armed Forces in its work to provide these brave folks with free, top-quality arts programming.” – Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

###

About Arts in the Armed Forces

Arts in the Armed Forces was founded by actor and Marine Adam Driver in 2008, and its mission is to provide high-quality arts programming for active duty service members, veterans, military support staff and their families free of charge. Its core program consists of contemporary American plays and monologues presented by professional actors and actresses. Past participants have included Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, Keegan-Michael Key, Laura Linney, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Shannon, and Christian Slater, just to name a few. Works are chosen that feature diverse themes, ages, ethnicities and experiences to create a complex and unique experience for the audience.

In 2019, arts programming expands beyond live play readings to include film screenings, live music, and an annual playwriting award for military and veteran writers called The Bridge Award.

Importantly, after each of AITAF’s performances, the creative team interacts with the audience through a question and answer session as well as a more informal mingling period. The goal is not simply to provide an enjoyable evening, but to use the powerfully emotional shared artistic experience to open up conversations capable of bridging the divides between military and civilian, service member and family member, the world of the arts and the world of practical action. http://www.aitaf.org

About Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. The organization works to advance people and grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans and military families. For more information, please visit: CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org .

Contact:

Lindsay Miserandino

Executive Director

Arts in the Armed Forces

miserandino@aitaf.org

646-737-2137