THE CREATIVE COALITION ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S PROPOSED ELIMINATION OF THE NEA
Today, The Creative Coalition is deeply disappointed to see that President Trump’s budget request to Congress for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 proposes full elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Creative Coalition opposes this shortsightedness and urges Congress to reject it by preserving funding for the NEA for the upcoming fiscal year.
During The Creative Coalition’s annual #RightToBearArts Hill Day last month, the 2025 delegates educated key legislators and staff on the economic and social benefits of the NEA. The NEA represents less than 0.004 percent of the federal budget, but leverages those dollars to return nearly 10 times the investment, especially in rural and high-poverty neighborhoods where arts organizations often serve as community anchors. Additionally, the NEA is a grassroots investment in the arts and culture industry, one of America’s highest-value exports, resulting in a $22.6 billion trade surplus.
“The arts are not a luxury; they are a necessity for a thriving society. Alongside preserving and spreading our cultural heritage, arts exposure results in higher academic achievement, social cohesion, and mental wellness,” said Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition. “NEA-supported programs bring these benefits through visual arts, music, theater, and dance to American communities. Slashing arts funding would endanger not only these benefits but also the cultural legacy we pass on to future generations.”
“Defunding the arts isn’t just a cultural loss — it’s a fiscal mistake. When the NEA makes a $1 investment, it returns $9 to the community in lipstick, lumber, and lightbulbs.” said Robin Bronk, CEO of the Creative Coalition. “If we eliminate the NEA, we risk losing the community centers and arts entrepreneurs, not in big cities, but on Main Streets in small towns all across this country. We urge lawmakers to protect this essential investment in our identity, economy, and future.”
The Creative Coalition reminds stakeholders that the President’s proposed spending plan is just that – a proposal. With President Trump’s proposed spending plan for FY 2026 now public, lawmakers can begin setting actual spending levels for federal programs for the upcoming fiscal year which begins October 1. We will continue our fight for the NEA by working with the bipartisan group of congressional champions of the arts to ensure that these cuts are not realized when Congress enacts FY 2026 funding. We call on all supporters of the arts to join the fight!
The Creative Coalition calls on ALL supporters of the arts to join the fight to SAVE the National Endowment for the Arts! Contact your Senators and Representatives TODAY to urge them to maintain funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in Fiscal Year 2026!
ABOUT THE CREATIVE COALITION
Founded in 1989 by leaders from the arts and entertainment industry, The Creative Coalition is the nation’s premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts as a fundamental pillar of American society. Led by actor and President Tim Daly, The Creative Coalition educates its members on key public issues and champions powerful public service campaigns such as #RightToBearArts. For more information, visit www.TheCreativeCoalition.org.
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PRESS CONTACT:
R&CPMK for The Creative Coalition
Danielle.McGunagle@rcpmk.com