BOSTON- Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today, along with Congressman John Olver announced that Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival will receive $143,449 as part of the Department of Education's Fie Earmark Grant Awards Program.

The funding will allow Jacob's Pillow to expand the reach and deepen the impact of existing and new programs in order to further fulfill their commitment of making dance accessible to people of all ages. The Pillow's educational programs introduce young people to movement in ways that center on building self-expression, confidence, and physical agility. It also provides programs ranging from low cost open dance classes during the summer Festival to dance residencies for area public schools where dance becomes an innovative way to learn academic material.

"For hundreds of years Jacob's Pillow has been a source of pride in western Massachusetts, and this funding will guarantee the organization continues to bring the art of dance to Berkshire County and beyond," said Senator Kerry.

Kennedy spokesperson Melissa Wagoner said, "Jacob's Pillow is one of the nation's pre-eminent cultural organizations. Over the generations, it has hosted the world's most prominent artists on its stages. Its leadership has been invaluable in the preservation of America's dance legacy and the creation of brilliant new work for the ages."

"I am very pleased to hear that Jacob's Pillow has been awarded this funding. The Pillow is a remarkable organization, and the awarding of this grant reminds us of why. Dance has found a home at the Pillow for almost 80 years now. We are very lucky to have it in our back yards," said Congressman Olver.

In 2000, Jacob's Pillow was included on the Dance Heritage Coalition's list of America's Irreplaceable Dance Treasures, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2003, it was named a National Historic Landmark for its importance in America's culture and history, thus distinguishing the Pillow as the country's first and only Landmark dance institution.

Last summer the Dance Festival was formally dedicated as a site on the African American Heritage Trail, which links 29 Massachusetts and Connecticut towns in the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, and celebrates people and places that hold pivotal roles in key national and international events of African American heritage.

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