April 8, 2026

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) opposes any attempt to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts, which provides services valued by both policymakers and the public.

Photo by Adam Schultz

On April 3, 2026, The White House submitted its budget proposal to Congress for fiscal year 2027. The request continues to reflect a government downsizing agenda that reduces or eliminates appropriations for numerous federal programs and agencies—including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

As recently as this January, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives again rejected proposals to dismantle the federal cultural agencies and, instead, enacted level funding. NASAA applauds this strategic investment because of the public benefits it delivers.  While many industries produce jobs and revenue, only the arts offer a fivefold bottom line that strengthens our nation. Programs supported by the NEA and state arts agencies improve education outcomes, facilitate good health and preserve cherished traditions that tell our country’s story. These are consensus goals that all Americans want to realize for their families and communities.

NASAA respectfully calls on Congress to sustain funding for the NEA for FY2027. Every state and jurisdiction would benefit:

• The NEA supports community arts activities in all 435 U.S. congressional districts. Through its 2,000+ direct grants and an additional 6,837 state and regional awards that regrant federal funds, the NEA achieves broad national reach—especially in rural and low-income areas.
• Per a congressional directive, 40% of the NEA’s grant funds go to states. This exemplary federal-state partnership broadens the reach of federal funds and leverages additional state investments. The partnership yields more than 30,000 awards made by state arts agencies and regional arts organizations each year, ensuring that arts opportunities are available to all communities.
• A healthy arts sector needs both public and private investment. But not all communities have big foundations or wealthy donors, and rural areas receive a fraction of philanthropic dollars. Public funding for the arts plays an essential role in making sure all communities get access to the advantages the arts offer. Federal arts funds reach 678 counties that major foundations do not.

The NEA helps Congress and the White House attain timely goals:

• Serving those who serve: One of the NEA’s signature programs is Creative Forces, a partnership with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This initiative uses the arts to improve health and quality of life for military populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers.

• Honoring American heritage: The NEA is promoting Freedom 250 / America 250 events that honor America’s history and celebrate local cultural traditions. State arts agencies are an essential part of that initiative and, along with the NEA, lead other ongoing programs to preserve cultural traditions for future generations.
• Achieving economic independence: The arts and creative industries generate a $36.8 billion trade surplus and add $1.2 trillion in value to the U.S. gross domestic product. The NEA and state arts agencies catalyze cultural production and grow the talent pool for this important American industry that creates 5.4 million jobs on American soil.
• Exemplifying efficiency and accountability: The agency has streamlined its grant programs, realigned its staff, complied with all applicable Executive Orders, adopted the administration’s “gold standard” science protocols, and manages a high volume of grants competitively adjudicated on the basis of merit.

• Delivering a return on investment: Every NEA grant dollar leverages more than $9 in matching funds and other contributions. This impressive return on investment is a great deal for taxpayers.

Defunding the NEA is a false economy that would weaken an important American industry and hurt every state and jurisdiction. NASAA is therefore opposed to any attempt to eliminate federal arts funding. We remain resolved to sustain the NEA, and we are not alone. Our conviction is shared by Republicans and Democrats and Independents; by civic leaders who have seen their communities restored through the arts; by businesses who need innovative workers; by veterans who draw strength from the arts to recover from battle wounds; by parents who want their children to flourish; and by hardworking taxpayers who know that the arts are essential to their community’s well-being.

Please join our efforts. Sign up for NASAA’s Legislative Alerts, download our free advocacy tools and follow our advocacy work on Facebook.