The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
US National Heritage Fellowship award for traditional musician Joanie Madden Two weeks ago in Washington D.C., the National Endowment for the Arts funded by the U.S. Government to preserve and promote the Arts throughout the country confirmed what those of us who celebrate Traditional Irish music and dance in America have known for decades. In announcing their selections for nominees to receive a prestigious award known as the National Heritage Fellowship for their lifetime achievements as tradition-bearing Folk Artists, the name of native New Yorker Joanie Madden appeared on the list. The esteemed designation recognizes individuals who in excelling in their personal craft also pay homage to their heritage in the multicultural fabric and roots of American culture and artistry with the recognition also earning an honorarium of €21,000. It is considered the highest distinction a treasured folk artist can receive in the USA. The NEA created the awards 40 years ago to recognize the role of diversity in the …
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