Following a memorial service for representative Louise Slaughter, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi moved swiftly to reconstitute House Congressional Arts Caucus leadership with long-time caucus member and friend of the arts Chellie Pingree (D-ME). Arts groups are busy lining up meeting opportunities with the congresswoman to help seal the legacy of the former caucus co-chair and begin to get the movement back on track.

“Chellie profoundly understands the power of the arts to revitalize and inspire communities across the nation,” says Pelosi. “Serving on the House Appropriations Committee and Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, she has fought relentlessly for robust investments in the arts and in arts education, and has been a fierce champion of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. We are confident that she will bring great passion, vision, and joy to this important caucus.”

The AFM will forever be grateful for Slaughter’s work. The AFM Office of Government Relations will do its best to support Pingree.