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As a leading advocate for the arts, Americans for the Arts is deeply concerned by the current Administration’s efforts to politicize and reduce essential federal support for the arts. The dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which has placed staff on administrative leave, along with significant cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)—including a directive to reduce staff by 70% and to cancel current and future grants—marks a severe attack on our cultural infrastructure. Additionally, threats to artistic expression at institutions like the Smithsonian and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) reveal a systematic effort to undermine the nation’s cultural fabric. Finally, as of this morning, we have heard from partners across the field that are receiving notifications of grant terminations from the IMLS and NEH.
Arts and culture, including museums and libraries, are vital to America. These institutions drive economic growth and foster social connections within communities. According to data released yesterday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, this impact is clear: between 2022 and 2023, the arts and culture sector grew at more than twice the rate of the overall economy, contributing $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy—4.2% of the Gross Domestic Product—and supporting 5.4 million jobs. Eliminating federal support for the arts and humanities will not only damage our cultural legacy, but it will also harm American families, weaken local and national economies, and diminish our competitive edge.
AFTA is mobilizing a response to the unprecedented threats facing the arts by educating the public, urging Congress to take action, collaborating with other organizations, and activating arts advocates nationwide to push back against misguided policy and funding changes.
Here are our key positions:
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Federal Arts and Culture Funding Is Essential to a Strong America: Eliminating or defunding cultural agencies ignores their critical role in supporting accessibility to the arts, cultural preservation, and lifelong learning.
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Public Institutions Must Remain Independent of Political Agendas: Imposing ideological control or content-based restrictions violates fundamental principles of artistic independence, freedom, and expression.
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The Arts and Humanities Are Nonpartisan Public Goods: Both Republicans and Democrats recognize the value of the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and CPB. These agencies embody shared national values like education, innovation, and creativity. Undermining them threatens America’s strength and leadership.
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Congress Must Act to Protect the Arts: It is imperative that Congress reject any proposals aimed at eliminating or restricting funding for these essential cultural agencies.
Here’s how you can take action now:
Now is not the time to retreat from our commitment to the arts and humanities – it is a moment to invest boldly in culture, creativity, and the shared stories that unite us as a nation. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to educate the new Administration, Congress, and the American public about the important role our nation’s cultural agencies serve in transforming communities and enriching the lives of every American.
Sincerely,
Erin Harkey
CEO, Americans for the Arts