American Rescue Plan Impact Survey

NASAA recently sent a note to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations to look for an American Rescue Plan (ARP) impact survey coming in January 2023 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The survey will help the NEA understand and communicate how ARP funds have been used to support jobs and keep arts organizations viable throughout the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

NASAA conducted a similar survey for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2021. Results of the survey demonstrate that CARES Act funds supported at least 1,280 programs and close to 4,000 jobs across the country. Hundreds of anecdotal stories supplied by state arts agencies revealed that CARES Act funds were pivotal in sustaining arts organizations, helping communities stay connected and continuing critical services in challenging times.

Notable examples: The Washington State Arts Commission awarded grants of up to $4,000 to 143 organizations in 75% of counties across the state (29 of 39 counties). Using an equity lens in its grant-making process, the Vermont Arts Council distributed more than half of the NEA CARES Act funding to the smallest and most at-risk cultural organizations in the state.

The ARP impact survey is entirely voluntary and agencies are under no obligation to complete the survey or provide any information. In the spirit of collegiality, NASAA and the NEA ask agencies to contribute to the effort and begin collecting information now so that we can assist in telling these stories of creative resurgence. For more information or questions, contact NASAA Research Manager Mohja Rhoads.

NASAA also continues to track supplemental appropriations to state arts agencies and the various programming agencies have undertaken to support recovery and relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. For more contact information and resources related to COVID-19 recovery, see NASAA COVID-19 Resources for State Arts Agencies.