NASAA Testimony to Congress in Support of the NEA

On April 23, I submitted testimony to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies. This subcommittee is responsible for the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts. I’d like to share my testimony with you.

Prepared Testimony to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, U.S. House of Representatives

Chairman, Ranking Member and esteemed members of the Committee:

Thank you for the opportunity to deliver this testimony in support of federal appropriations for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill. My name is Pam Breaux, and I am honored to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), representing and advocating for the nation’s 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies.

Today, I stand before you to express our profound appreciation for your ongoing support of the National Endowment for the Arts and to urge the Committee to sustain—at minimum—the NEA’s current funding level of $207 million in FY2027. This sustained investment would enable the NEA to continue its vital mission of supporting arts and creativity to foster an environment where arts participation and practice benefit everyone across the United States.

In recent years, the Subcommittee has demonstrated an admirable and genuinely bipartisan commitment to the arts. We are sincerely grateful for this cross-party support, which reflects a shared recognition—among members of both parties—that the arts are essential to the health, vitality and economic strength of our communities and our nation as a whole. We deeply value the champions the arts have found on both sides of the aisle, and we are committed to working with all members of this Committee in support of the NEA’s critical mission.

As you deliberate on the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill, I urge you to prioritize the National Endowment for the Arts once again, recognizing its significant impact on communities nationwide—including every congressional district in the country.

The NEA’s unique federal-state partnership ensures that arts funding reaches every corner of our country—from the largest cities to the most rural communities—empowering states and regions to address their unique priorities and serving far more constituents than federal funds alone can reach. Every congressional district in the United States benefits from NEA funding, either through direct grants or through this highly successful federal-state partnership. Unique among federal agencies, the Endowment funds state plans; these plans are developed by state arts agencies in response to citizens, communities, arts organizations, legislatures and governors. This makes the federal-state arts investment incredibly responsive and relevant to citizens in every state and jurisdiction.

The NEA distributes 40% of its grant funds to state, jurisdictional and regional arts agencies—a commitment that multiplies the reach and impact of every federal arts dollar. State arts agencies combine these NEA funds with appropriations from state legislatures to support thousands of grants to arts organizations, civic groups and schools in communities across the nation. Twenty percent of state arts agency grant awards go to nonmetropolitan areas, supporting programs that strengthen the civic and economic sustainability of rural America. Thirty-three percent of state arts agency grant awards support arts education, fostering student success in and out of school and building the critical thinking, creativity and communications skills needed to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive workforce. Congress’s continued support of the 40% formula is essential to state, jurisdictional and regional arts agencies and to ensuring that the arts benefit all communities, regardless of wealth or geography.

The NEA is meeting federal policy objectives in service to the country. For example, it is focused on serving those who serve. In collaboration with the Department of Defense, the NEA 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 agency is sponsoring America 250 activities that honor America’s history and celebrate local cultural traditions. Additionally, the NEA is facilitating good health in partnership with state arts agencies, as we work together to employ the arts to increase physical and mental well-being, support caregiving teams and help older adults lead active, healthy and meaningful lives.

Federal funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment in cities, towns and rural communities nationwide. It improves the lives of all Americans, equips an innovative workforce and keeps us competitive globally. It is a great example of government done right: fueling public-private partnerships, leveraging $9 in additional funds for every federal dollar invested, and putting tax dollars and decision-making authority into the hands of citizens.

Research continues to show that the arts are a highly effective economic investment that drives state economies, regardless of how other economic sectors perform. The arts also strengthen the economy following periods of acute economic distress, demonstrating their capacity to ignite job growth, reduce economic risk through diversification, stimulate commerce and attract tourism. Strengthening the arts provides opportunities for the arts to help strengthen the nation as a whole.

NASAA and states applaud the NEA’s many services to the country, including its leadership in developing beneficial programs for communities, military personnel, veterans, students and many others. NASAA and state arts agencies proudly partner with the NEA and work collaboratively and in solidarity to benefit all communities across the country. Together, we accomplish what neither side can achieve alone.

I extend our sincere appreciation for Congress’s steadfast and bipartisan support of the National Endowment for the Arts and federal funding for the arts. As we move forward, NASAA remains committed to serving as a resource to this Committee and to advancing our shared goal of promoting the arts for the betterment of our society. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony.

Pam Breaux
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Assembly of State Arts Agencies