#RightToBearArts = $167.5M in Federal Funding
September 25, 2019 (Washington, DC) – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies approved its Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Bill, which includes $157 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This level of funding represents a $2 million increase over last year’s NEA funding, but is significantly less than the $167.5 million requested by The Creative Coalition’s delegation during their 2019 #RightToBearArts Capitol Hill Day in May and approved by the U.S. House of Representatives this summer.
The Creative Coalition is pleased the Senate Subcommittee granted the NEA a funding increase for the upcoming fiscal year, but strongly urges Congress to provide the $12.5 million increase over current funding, consistent with the House. $167.5 million in Fiscal Year 2020 would restore the funding level for the National Endowment for the Arts to where it was over a decade ago.
The Senate and House must ultimately agree on a funding level before the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations process is complete. With President Trump this week expected to sign a Continuing Resolution that will fund the federal government until November 21, Congress now has more time to settle on a final number for the NEA.
NEA funding helps ensure access to the arts for ALL Americans. Data from the National Endowment for the Arts shows that its grants reach approximately 25% of the country where the top 1,000 private foundations do not donate.
Tim Daly, Actor and President of The Creative Coalition, said, “Maximum funding for the National Endowment for the Arts is vital. Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts have the greatest impact on small organizations and underserved communities that would otherwise have no access to arts programs.”
“The Creative Coalition strongly urges Congress to provide $167.5 million for the National Endowment for the Arts in Fiscal Year 2020,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “Funding from the National Endowment for the Arts supports cities and towns to develop vibrant artistic cultures that cultivate more active and engaged citizens, higher academic results and economic development opportunities.”
About The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) social
and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community.
Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative
Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on
issues of public importance. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s
President. The Creative Coalition also creates award-winning public service
campaigns including #RightToBearArts to promote the efficacy of the arts; and
#KeepTellingPeople, to help eradicate the sexual harassment epidemic. The
Creative Coalition harnesses the unique platforms of the arts community and
entertainment industry to make positive impacts on social welfare issues.
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