Funders Statements

Pam Breaux, CEO of National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, argues that public and private funding are both necessary to fund arts and culture in America: There is no question as to the public value of the arts and, to be clear, the ongoing debate is not whether the arts have a public benefit, but whether the responsibility … Continue reading Pam Breaux: Public & Private Arts Funding Are Better Together →

On Monday, June 26, GIA’s board of directors sent a letter to all members of Congress on behalf of GIA’s membership in support of continued funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services … Continue reading GIA’s Letter to Congress in Support of America’s Cultural Vitality →

Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch issued a statement following the signing of the federal budget agreement for fiscal year 2017. “This is also a tremendous example of how grassroots arts advocacy efforts proved effective with sending thousands of letters, emails, phone calls, personal visits, op-eds, news articles, targeted advertising, and … Continue reading Americans for the Arts Statement on Bipartisan Budget Agreement →

In an op-ed in Nashville Arts Magazine, Jennifer Cole, executive director of Metro Nashville Arts Commission, addresses questions and debunks some of the myths about federal arts funding such as: “The arts are only for ‘certain people’ and others shouldn’t subsidize programs for the wealthy.” “If artists can’t make it as a business, why should … Continue reading Op-ed: Jennifer Cole on Why We Need the NEA →

Ford Foundation President Darren Walker has recently published an op-ed on The Hill in support of the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities: Of course, there is something at stake here much greater than the economic impact of public support for the arts. In a time of discordant political discourse — of competing, conflicting … Continue reading Darren Walker: The Arts Are Not Just a “Special Interest” →

An op-ed by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation President Earl Lewis discusses the unique role that the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities play in funding arts and culture initiatives across the country. Lewis highlights ways the Endowments have enriched society and filled a niche in the funding arena – supporting programs in underfunded rural … Continue reading Mellon President Earl Lewis Pens Op-Ed in Support of NEA and NEH →

In a new blog post at The McKnight Foundation, Arts Program Director Vickie Benson makes the case that the National Endowment for the Arts continues to illuminate the power of the arts, and that our communities are better off because of their work: I’ve seen the fierce battles over these arts and cultural agencies play … Continue reading Vickie Benson on Why Our Communities Need the NEA →

In a statement today, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) argues that “eliminating the NEA would hurt every state in our nation.” The statement outlines the national impacts of eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, and NASAA has voiced its resolve “to sustain the NEA and ensure that its important work continues.” … Continue reading NASAA: “Eliminating the NEA would hurt every state in our nation” →

Jane Chu, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, has released a statement following today’s release of the president’s budget plan: Today we learned that the president’s FY 2018 budget blueprint proposes the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts. We are disappointed because we see our funding actively making a difference with … Continue reading Statement from National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu →

An op-ed piece written by dance educator Amy M. Wilkinson and published in The Hill argues the importance of the arts as part of a well-rounded education. As states develop their plans as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), advocates argue that the arts must be included in those plans. The article highlights … Continue reading Op-ed: Cuts to Arts Funding Could Be Detrimental to Academic Achievement →