NEA funding action

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants awarded to orchestras, and NEA funds administered by state arts agencies, support projects that increase access to music in communities nationwide.  NEA funding to orchestras also spurs critical giving from other sources like private foundations, corporations, and individual contributors.  Congressional support for the NEA has strengthened in recent years, evidenced by incremental funding increases.  Unfortunately, the NEA has never recovered from a 40 percent budget cut in FY96, and its programs are seriously under funded.  Fully restoring funding for the NEA will, in turn, increase the capacity of orchestras to support arts education for children and adults, expand public access to performances, preserve great classical works, and nurture the creative endeavors of contemporary classical musicians, composers, and conductors.

View the issue brief below, then enter your zip code in the box below to send your message to Congress. 


ISSUE BRIEF
The link below provides the essential background and talking points to inform your communications with policymakers.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS