Federal Arts Funding Faces a Critical Test

As Congress prepares for its July 4th recess, we are awaiting the release of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee’s draft fiscal year 2026 budget for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This will be the first official response to the President’s proposal to eliminate NEA funding entirely.

Advocates will remember that similar proposals were made during the President’s first term. In those years, Congress rejected the request and increased NEA funding instead. This year, however, presents a different political environment. The President has consolidated support within his party and holds greater influence over the Republican caucus than during his first term. As a result, the subcommittee’s draft bill will be an early and important indicator of how congressional leaders intend to approach the President’s budget request.

In the meantime, arts advocates should continue engaging with members of Congress and their staff—making the case for continued investment in the arts and sharing how federal funding for the arts supports meaningful work in communities across the country.

It is especially important to highlight the impact on state arts agencies. Thanks to the federal-state partnership, 40% of NEA grant dollars go directly to state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations. This model ensures that every congressional district benefits from federal arts funding.

As members of Congress face pressure to reduce federal spending, specific local examples can make a real difference. Explaining how your agency uses NEA funding—and what would be at risk if it were lost—helps lawmakers understand the value of continued investment. NASAA can create customized maps and fact sheets showing the distribution of NEA and your state arts agency’s grants. Programs that support education, creative careers, economic development and community engagement are all part of the picture.

If it’s been a while since you’ve connected with your federal representatives, now is a good time to reengage. A quick note or call to share how NEA funding supports programs in your state can go a long way. These conversations—grounded in real examples—help build the case for continued investment in the arts at a moment when it’s very much needed.