Federal support is necessary to ensure that broad access to the arts is possible for citizens of all economic backgrounds and all regions of the country. Today, arts agencies in all 50 states and 6 territories receive federal funding through the NEA to support the arts. Prior to the creation of the NEA, few state arts councils awarded grants. Arts funding in this country rests on the combined support of federal, state, and local public dollars, as well as private donations.
Federal dollars are essential in leveraging other support.
Now, the Republican majority is seeking to undermine the work of the Committee, and set back arts in this country by passing a rule that will allow NEA funding to be zeroed out. Opponents of the NEA suggest there is little accountability at the agency. However, over the last several years, the NEA has made substantial changes to address Congressional concerns and also make it more responsive to the public. Recently, six Members of Congress were added to the NEA advisory body, a new NEA Chairman was unanimously approved by the Senate, and a new grant award program was established to provide for a more equal distribution of arts funds to underserved states. In addition, the NEA also implemented changes in its grant award program to improve accountability by prohibiting the shifting of funds from one project to another.