Arts Advocates from Key States Head to Capitol Hill to Push for Increased NEA and NEH Funding

ARTS ADVOCATES FROM KEY STATES HEAD TO CAPITOL HILL TO PUSH FOR INCREASED NEA AND NEH FUNDING
Legislative Fly-In focuses on securing adequate FY2026 appropriations for National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities

WHAT: In partnership with Americans for the Arts and its advocacy affiliate Arts Action Fund, arts industry leaders from across the nation are gathering on Capitol Hill to bring a message directly to Congress: 

Federal arts funding creates jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens the vibrant communities where families want to live and work. Through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), this investment reaches every congressional district nationwide—including rural areas and small towns.

Advocates are urging Congress to appropriate $209 million each for the NEA and NEH in FY2026—a modest $2 million increase that empowers state and local arts agencies, arts and culture organizations, and individual artists to build the creative infrastructure our communities need.

WHEN: 

• July 14-15: Meetings with key House Interior Appropriators
• July 21-22: Meetings with key Senate Interior Appropriators

WHERE: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

WHY IT MATTERS:

• Economic Impact: The arts and culture sector contributes $1.2 trillion to our economy and creates 5.4 million American jobs, representing 4.2% of GDP. Current federal investment amounts to just 62 cents per person, despite the NEA consistently exceeding the required 1:1 state match and operating as one of the federal government’s most efficient agencies.
• Community Vitality: Federal arts investment represents not an either/or choice with human services, but a strategic investment that strengthens education, builds civic connections, and preserves cultural heritage. This creates vibrant places where families want to invest and build their futures. With unique reach serving 779 more counties than the top 1,000 foundations combined, this funding delivers impact where it’s needed most.
• Strong Bipartisan Support: 70% of Americans support local government arts funding, with support transcending political divisions: 4 in 5 Democrats and 3 in 5 Republicans and Independents favor government funding.
• Timely Connection: As America approaches its 250th birthday, cultural institutions and organizations are being called upon to plan and honor this historic celebration. With both NEA and NEH chairs serving on the White House Task Force for America’s 250th, adequate funding becomes essential to support the very organizations tasked with commemorating our nation’s heritage.

WHO: Arts advocates representing communities from Utah, Nevada, Alaska, Texas, Kentucky, South Dakota, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Idaho—states whose Members of Congress sit on the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the committees with direct influence over NEA and NEH funding levels.

WHO: Arts advocates representing communities from Utah, Nevada, Alaska, Texas, Kentucky, South Dakota, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Idaho—states whose Members of Congress sit on the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, the committees with direct influence over NEA and NEH funding levels.

PHOTO AVAILABLE: A photo of participating advocates was taken in Washington, DC, today (July 14, 2025).
Featured advocates (L to R): Danielle Cross McCracken, President, Oglebay Institute (West Virginia); Annie DiMartino, Executive Director, Utah Cultural Alliance; Rosalie Gilbert, Arts and Event Services Manager, City of Mansfield (Texas); Nettie Oliverio, COO, Foothill Partners, Incorporated and Board Member, Nevada Arts Council; Tony Manfredi, Executive Director, Nevada Arts Council. 

CONTACT: Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis – [email protected]

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Note to Editors: The Arts Action Fund provides resources for arts supporters to engage with their Members of Congress through the Arts Action Center at www.artsactionfund.org/arts-action-center

About Americans for the Arts and the Arts Action Fund:
For 65 years, Americans for the Arts has advanced arts and culture through bipartisan collaboration, while its advocacy affiliate, the Arts Action Fund, mobilizes hundreds of thousands of grassroots supporters nationwide. Together, these organizations work in tandem to ensure arts and culture remain vital to American communities – from empowering local arts agencies to driving economic growth and social connection. Through strategic advocacy programs like the Legislative Fly-Ins, local arts successes transform into national policy advancement, creating stronger, more vibrant communities across urban, suburban, and rural America.

Research & Impact Data: 
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), Americans Speak Out About the Arts in 2023, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs