Federal Arts Advocacy Update – September 2025

September 2025

Advocacy Alert: Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

STRONGER TOGETHER: NATIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK LAUNCHES CRITICAL SEPTEMBER PUSH

As Congress returns from recess and students head back to class, federal education funding is restored—proof that when AFTA and 600+ partners raise our voices, advocacy works.

But challenges remain. With the FY26 budget deadline approaching, Congress will soon debate amendments that could eliminate National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding—the largest federal source for arts education. National Arts in Education Week (September 14–20, 2025) is our moment to act.

This year’s theme—Stronger Together for Arts in Education—underscores the power of collective action. Together, we can show policymakers that arts education is essential, equitable, and deserves federal investment. Our message is clear: every student deserves the opportunity to create, innovate, and thrive through the arts.

Join our Protect the NEA/NEH campaign and add your voice to thousands united for the arts and humanities nationwide.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

OUR ARTS EDUCATION LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

In addition to protecting NEA funding, our advocacy this week focuses on three key legislative priorities:

• HBCU Arts Act
  Supports arts programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, protecting their legacy as centers of Black artistic excellence. This funding sustains programs, collections, and students—ensuring HBCUs remain cultural leaders.

• Arts Education for All Act (H.R. 2485)
  The first federal bill to guarantee lifelong, equitable access to arts learning—expanding K–12 opportunities, supporting community programs, and closing gaps that leave 2+ million students without arts education.

• Well-Rounded Education Programs
  Preserves and grows federal investments like Title I-A, Title IV-A, and AAE grants—critical funding that ensures every child, no matter their zip code, has access to arts and creative learning.

Together, these priorities strengthen HBCUs, expand access for underserved students, and protect schools most at risk of losing arts programs.

And the public agrees: 92% of Americans believe every student deserves a quality arts education—overwhelming, bipartisan support we can’t ignore

Now it’s time to turn that support into action. When we come together—educators, parents, students, and advocates—lawmakers can’t overlook our call. 

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD THIS WEEK:

• Contact Congress: Take action this #ArtsEdWeek—tell lawmakers we’re stronger together with arts in education.

• Share Your Story: Post why arts education matters in your school or community using #ArtsEdWeek.

• Amplify the Movement: Download our social media toolkit and encourage your networks to join.

TAKE ACTION THIS #ARTSEDWEEK

SEPTEMBER FUNDING SHOWDOWN: NATIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION HANGS IN THE BALANCE

First, some good news: our voices are being heard! The Senate Appropriations Committee approved level funding ($207 million) for both the NEA and NEH—a direct rejection of the administration’s proposal to eliminate both agencies entirely.

But the fight isn’t over. Congress must pass a new budget by September 30 to keep the federal government open, and the House just released the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill that funds arts education programs. We don’t know exactly when critical votes will happen—which is why advocates need to contact their representatives now, before these decisions are made.

Why this matters for National Arts in Education Week: The NEA is the largest funder of arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. When federal arts funding is threatened, local arts education programs feel the impact first—especially in the rural and low-income communities that depend on these resources most.

STRONGER TOGETHER: YOUR ADVOCACY TOOLKIT

We’ve made advocacy easy. Download everything you need to work together during National Arts in Education Week:

• Newsletter & Website Content: Ready-to-use copy to post on your website or send to your networks, encouraging your community to take action.

• Social Media Templates: Shareable graphics and posts for Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

• Partner Email Template: Pre-drafted e-blast text, subject lines, and key messages to quickly mobilize your audience and drive advocacy.

• Legislative Priorities & Key Messaging: Clear talking points on why NEA/NEH funding, the HBCU Arts Act, Arts Education for All Act, and well-rounded education programs matter—perfect for sharing with decision-makers, the media, and your supporters.

Calls to Action & Resources: Links to downloadable one-pagers, fact sheets, and action portals to make advocacy simple and effective.

DOWNLOAD TOOLKIT

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Stay connected with upcoming learning opportunities.

OFFICE HOURS
Friday, September 12 at 2:00 PM ET

Connect with our advocacy team during a special session of our Office Hours Series, bringing together three mini-panels on innovation, federal policy, and local action.

• Capitol Hill Leaders: Members of Congress and staff share how advocates can ensure arts education remains a federal priority.

• State & Local Advocates: Learn winning strategies from the field with powerhouse leaders:

  • Lynn Tuttle, Executive Director and CEO, American String Teachers Association; Music IS Education Coalition
  • Dr. James Weaver, CEO, Music for All; Music IS Education Coalition
  • Nelle Stokes, Founding Executive Director, Magic Box Production
  • Danielle Laurion, Lead Teacher, Omaha South Dance Department

• National Perspective: Violinist Adrian Anantawan, AFTA’s Johnson Fellow, presents his Virtual Chamber Music Initiative to expand access to music-making for all.

REGISTER HERE

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Tuesday, September 16 at 3:00 PM ET
AFTA will spotlight arts leaders from across the country during our Community Conversations Series, who are driving impactful work in their communities. Participants will connect in small-group breakouts to share innovations and strategies for strengthening arts education.

REGISTER HERE

IN OTHER NEWS

Nominate an Arts Champion: Know a city council member who champions the arts? Nominate them for the 2025 Public Leadership in the Arts Award, presented at the National League of Cities’ Annual Conference in Salt Lake City this November. Nominations close October 10.

Americans for the Arts is a nonprofit organization working every day to build recognition and support for the extraordinary and dynamic value of the arts and to lead, serve, and advance the diverse networks of organizations and individuals who cultivate the arts in America. Support our work to ensure that every American has access to the arts by making a gift at the link below. Thank you! 

SUPPORT NOW!