The Arts and Economic Recovery
3/20/09: NEA Stimulus Funding Now Accessible
The National Endowment for the Arts will provide one-time grants for projects that focus on preserving jobs in the arts to eligible not-for-profits including: arts organizations, local arts agencies, statewide assemblies of local arts agencies, arts service organizations, units of state or local government, and a wide range of other organizations that can help advance the goals of the NEA and this program. All applicants must be previous NEA award recipients from the past four years (see "Applicant Eligibility" for more information). In addition, organizations are limited to receiving NEA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through only one source. Sources include the Arts Endowment directly, or through an entity eligible to subgrant NEA funds including a state arts agency, a regional arts organization of state arts agencies, or a designated local arts agency that is eligible to subgrant or regrant funds.
ACTION: The deadline for application is April 2, 2009. For more information on how to apply, please visit: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/recovery/index.html.
2/13/09: Economic Stimulus Bill Includes $50 Million for the NEA - A Big Win For the Arts
Today (February 13th) marks a significant victory for the arts in this country. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes $50 million to preserve jobs in the non-profit arts sector to be distributed through the NEA. The theatre community mobilized and actively participated in effecting this positive legislative outcome. Members of Congress need to be continually reminded that theatre companies supply jobs, purchase goods and services, and provide programs contributing in measurable ways to the health of our nation’s communities. Thanks to everyone for your advocacy efforts! How can you access this funding? The National Endowment for the Arts will provide one-time grants for projects that focus on preserving jobs in the arts to eligible not-for-profits including: arts organizations, local arts agencies, statewide assemblies of local arts agencies, arts service organizations, units of state or local government, and a wide range of other organizations that can help advance the goals of the NEA and this program. All applicants must be previous NEA award recipients from the past four years (see "Applicant Eligibility" for more information). In addition, organizations are limited to receiving NEA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through only one source. Sources include the Arts Endowment directly, or through an entity eligible to subgrant NEA funds including a state arts agency, a regional arts organization of state arts agencies, or a designated local arts agency that is eligible to subgrant or regrant funds. The deadline for application is April 2, 2009.
ACTION: For more information on how to apply, please visit: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/recovery/index.html.
2/9/09: Support the Arts in the Final Version of the Stimulus Package!
Urge your Members of Congress to support the arts within the Economic Stimulus Bill today! Although the House version of the Stimulus Bill includes $50 million to be distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Senate version does not, including instead, an amendment offered by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) prohibiting funds in the Economic Stimulus Bill from going to theaters and arts centers. The Senate approved the amendment by a vote of 73-24, however, we still have an opportunity to overturn this decision when the House and Senate versions of the Bill are reconciled by the Conference Committee. Your Senator or Representative could be acting as an influential member of the Conference Committee – learn more about specific committee assignments on the Performing Arts Alliance website – let them know how they can best represent you by investing in the arts!
ACTION: Please contact your Senators and Representative, and urge them to support the arts in the Economic Stimulus Bill. Click here to link to the PAA Action Alert and then click "Take Action," and customize and send a pre-addressed email to your Senator and Member of Congress urging support for the arts in the Economic Stimulus Bill.
2/5/09: Vote NO on the Coburn "Limitation on Funds Amend. No. 175"
The arts community throughout the United States has been heavily impacted by funding reductions and cut-backs in state and local support. Countless jobs and services are at risk and not-for-profit arts organizations in communities nationwide are in need of immediate assistance. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009 designates $50 million to the NEA to provide direct grants along with block grants to state arts councils to fund grant projects and activities vital to communities nationwide. Now is the time to raise your voice, joining thousands of other advocates in the arts and not-for-profit communities who are calling for Congress to support the arts and our economic recovery!
ACTION: Urge your Senator to vote NO to Senator Tom Coburn's (R-OK) amendment prohibiting any funds in the economic stimulus bill from going to theaters and arts centers. Click here to view this Action Alert on the Performing Arts Alliance Website, and to send an e-mail to your elected officials.
1/21/09: Arts Funding Included in the Stimulus Package
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009 includes $50,000,000 for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to distribute in direct grants to fund arts projects, which preserve jobs in the non-profit arts sector. Performing arts organizations provide public access to performances, support arts education for children and adults, nurture the creative endeavors of artists, and contribute to our nation's vibrant cultural community. The Performing Arts Alliance, working in coalition with the Cultural Advocacy Group, has called on President Obama and Congress to support nine federal programs and proposals in their consideration of an economic recovery package.
ACTION: Your advocacy is needed to ensure that Congress includes the arts as a priority during this period of economic recovery and reinvestment. Click here to see the Performing Arts Alliance Website, an Action Alert on the issue, and to access a sample letter.