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We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The recent executive order issued by the current administration aims to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides critical resources to libraries and museums in all 50 states and territories. AFTA has been working with our partners to understand the new directive and wanted to share the impact the order may have on the cultural community that we advocate for, along with ways we can amplify our voices.
Proposed reductions to the IMLS jeopardize the very institutions that preserve our collective history, fuel creativity, and provide critical educational resources. If these cuts proceed, countless libraries and museums across the country will struggle to sustain programs that serve millions of people throughout the country.
Specifically, the Executive Order will:
- Eliminate any activities or programs not explicitly required by statute.
- Require the agency to submit a report to the administration detailing which functions are statutorily required.
- Reduce the agency’s operations and staffing levels to the bare minimum, drastically cutting the agency’s staff.
- Slash IMLS’ budget, mandating it reject any funding requests not aligned with the order, limiting its ability to support libraries and museums nationwide.
Make no mistake, these proposed cuts aren’t just numbers on a budget sheet. The 35,000 museums and 123,000 libraries supported by IMLS are the bedrock of every American community—and any attempt to dismantle the federal government’s support for them will impact public access to culture, education, and other essential services. Libraries provide significant benefits to communities, providing critical programs that support early childhood literacy, internet access for underserved communities, and workforce development for job seekers.
Museums safeguard our cultural heritage, inspire creativity, and fuel local economies through tourism. Museum education programs help make history, science, and the arts accessible to all. Without IMLS funding, children could lose afterschool programs, researchers could be denied entry to archives, and entire communities could lose access to important public spaces.
We will continue to work with our partners, allies on Capitol Hill, advocates, members, and more to clarify the situation and underscore the important role the IMLS plays in creating pathways to cultural access for all Americans.
In the meantime, here’s how you can take action:
- Contact Your Elected Representatives: Reach out to your Senators and Representatives to express your opposition to the executive order targeting IMLS. Emphasize the critical role that museums and libraries play in your community and urge them to advocate for the preservation of IMLS funding. Find resources here from the American Alliance of Museums and the American Library Association.
- Raise Public Awareness: Utilize social media platforms, community forums, and local media outlets to highlight the importance of IMLS. Share stories of how museum and library programs have positively impacted individuals and organizations in your community.
- Collaborate with Allied Organizations: Partner with local museums, libraries, educational institutions, and other cultural organizations to organize events, petitions, and campaigns that demonstrate widespread support for IMLS.
- Educate Your Community: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about why IMLS matters and encourage them to take action. Educating others about the agency’s impact can build a broader base of support.
Our collective voice is powerful. Museums and libraries are more than buildings; they are the heart of our communities. Let’s ensure they remain vibrant, accessible, and well-supported for generations to come. Stand with us in defending the IMLS and ensuring that the arts and humanities continue to thrive for future generations.
Sincerely,
Erin Harkey
CEO, Americans for the Arts