National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Stepping Down

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts is stepping down after three years on the job.

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Sixty-five-year-old Rocco Landesman announced his plan Tuesday to leave the post at the end of the year.

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Landesman said it had always been his intention to serve just one term as chairman. He was confirmed to the post in 2009.

Landesman is a producer known for bringing such hits as Big River, Angels in America and The Producers to Broadway.

NEA Senior Deputy Chairman Joan Shigekawa will be acting head until a permanent successor is confirmed.

The NEA is an agency of the federal government that supports and helps fund artistic exhibits.