UPDATE: Landesman speaks on the state of the arts.

Rocco Landesman, nominated by President Barack Obama as the tenth chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, was confirmed Friday by the U.S. Senate.

“I am honored to receive the Senate’s vote of confirmation,” says Landesman.  “I look forward to serving the nation as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. I believe this is an auspicious time for the NEA and the country. Art is essential to the civic, economic, and cultural vitality of our nation. It reflects who we are and what we stand for — freedom of expression, imagination, and vision. I am eager to work with our many partners to bring quality arts programs to neighborhoods and communities across the country.”

For the entire press release, visit the NEA Newsroom, http://www.arts.gov/news/news09/landesman-confirmation.html

Feature Image courtesy of www.arts.gov