Motus Theater’s NEA Grant Rescinded Amid Federal Arts Shift — But the Show Will Go On

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rita Valente-Quinn
Producing Executive Director, Motus Theater
[email protected]

BOULDER, CO — May 10, 2025 — Motus Theater, nationally recognized for its innovative use of autobiographical storytelling to advance justice and civic dialogue, has had its $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) rescinded. The funding, awarded in December 2024 and announced publicly on January 10, 2025, was intended to support Youth Behind and Beyond Bars, a new touring monologue series featuring adults who were incarcerated as youth.

The NEA withdrew the grant on May 2, 2025, stating the project “does not align with” new priorities set by the President. The decision has sparked concern among arts and justice communities nationwide.

“This is our eighth NEA grant since 2014, and each one has honored the transformative power of art to foster understanding and justice,” said Rita Valente-Quinn, Producing Executive Director of Motus Theater. “This decision won’t stop us. We will keep lifting up voices too often ignored and stories too often buried. That’s what Motus is built for.”

Despite the loss of funding, Motus Theater remains committed to its mission and will proceed with the world premiere of Youth Behind and Beyond Bars on Saturday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater.

The production features powerful, autobiographical monologues from adults who experienced incarceration as youth—each story a testament to resilience, injustice, and the urgent need for reform. The performance includes live musical responses by The ReMINDers, a nationally acclaimed hip-hop and soul duo whose work amplifies themes of justice and healing.

“We’ve always believed in the power of music to speak where words alone can’t,” said The ReMINDers. “These stories deserve to echo far beyond the stage, and we’re proud to help carry them.”

For those sharing their stories, the performance is not just art—it’s restoration.

“When I was incarcerated as a teenager, I felt invisible,” said Jamal T., one of the performers in the production. “Telling my story now helps me reclaim that voice—and maybe help someone else feel seen.”

Motus Theater is currently consulting with allies across the arts and justice sectors to determine a strategic response to the NEA’s decision and plans to file a formal appeal.

In the meantime, Motus invites the public to attend the premiere and stand in solidarity with those advocating for a more just and humane future for America’s youth.