We learned last week that the Trump administration’s proposed FY 2018 budget eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), 21st Century Learning Centers, and many other vital federal programs and agencies. While it’s important to recognize that this is just the beginning of a long budget negotiation, the Arts Council for Long Beach stands together with, the arts community, and our cross-sector partners in calling on Congress to maintain funding for arts and culture.
What can be done?
Below are just some of the ways that you can take action to defend our country’s commitment to arts and culture:
- Share your story on social media and email on how the arts have impacted you on Arts Advocacy Day, March 20-21, and read the Congressional Arts Handbook, which includes comprehensive advocacy resources
- Use the hashtags #SavetheNEA and #MyNEAStory to build social media momentum
- Tell your representative to #SavetheNEA through the Voter Voice portal or through the Performing Arts Alliance
- Sign your organization on to the Afterschool Alliance’s letter to Congress in support of 21st Century Learning Centers
- Learn how to most effectively talk about saving the NEA
- Learn about this year’s upcoming advocacy opportunities from League of American Orchestras
As artists and arts administrators, now is the time to stand together in support of our students, our communities and our field. We at the Arts Council for Long Beach be standing with you.