The arts ecosystem is facing rapid changes in federal support for arts, culture, and the humanities. In March and April, staff from both the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) have been placed on administrative leave, and more than 1,200 NEH grants are estimated to have been cancelled affecting programs and communities across the country. Arts funding is not a partisan issue and affects people across both sides of the political spectrum. Many organizations in and beyond the mid-Atlantic region are advocating for sustained support for the arts and culture sector in light of these drastic cuts. We are sharing the resources below to amplify the important work of our colleagues and partner advocacy organizations.
Americans for the Arts Action Fund
- Why the Arts Matter State Fact Sheets: Data and narrative-driven sheets telling the story of why arts matter state by state.
- Executive Orders and Their Impact on the Arts: A Comprehensive Guide
- Stay up to date with Breaking News Updates Impacting the Arts & Culture
Arts Advocacy Organizations in the Mid Atlantic Arts Region
You can follow state-by-state arts advocacy endeavors, keep up with policy updates, and more here.
Here are some of the arts advocacy organizations for the states in our region:
Delaware:
Washington, DC:
Maryland:
- Maryland Citizens for the Arts
- Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance
- Arts Education in Maryland Schools
New Jersey:
New York:
Pennsylvania:
Puerto Rico:
US Virgin Islands:
- Artvi Advocates (USVI)
- Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA)
- Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
Virginia:
West Virginia:
Action Items for Contacting Representatives
Use these pages to find contact information for your representative or for your senator.
Links to pages with phone call scripts, email and letter templates, and social media language for contacting officials.
- Action Alert: Take Action to Protect Humanities Council
- Save the NEH
- Speak up for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
- American Association for State and Local History: Defend the IMLS
- American Library Association