As a number one advocate for the humanities, Individuals for the Arts is deeply involved by the present Administration’s efforts to politicize and cut back important federal help for the humanities. The dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Providers (IMLS), which has positioned employees on administrative depart, together with vital cuts to the Nationwide Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)—together with a directive to cut back employees by 70% and to cancel present and future grants—marks a extreme assault on our cultural infrastructure. Moreover, threats to creative expression at establishments just like the Smithsonian and the Company for Public Broadcasting (CPB) reveal a scientific effort to undermine the nation’s cultural cloth. Lastly, as of this morning, we have now heard from companions throughout the sector which can be receiving notifications of grant terminations from the IMLS and NEH.
Arts and tradition, together with museums and libraries, are very important to America. These establishments drive financial development and foster social connections inside communities. In keeping with knowledge launched yesterday by the U.S. Bureau of Financial Evaluation, this impression is obvious: between 2022 and 2023, the humanities and tradition sector grew at greater than twice the speed of the general economic system, contributing $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economic system—4.2% of the Gross Home Product—and supporting 5.4 million jobs. Eliminating federal help for the humanities and humanities is not going to solely harm our cultural legacy, however it is going to additionally hurt American households, weaken native and nationwide economies, and diminish our aggressive edge.
AFTA is mobilizing a response to the unprecedented threats dealing with the humanities by educating the general public, urging Congress to take motion, collaborating with different organizations, and activating arts advocates nationwide to push again in opposition to misguided coverage and funding modifications.
Listed here are our key positions:
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Federal Arts and Tradition Funding Is Important to a Sturdy America: Eliminating or defunding cultural companies ignores their crucial function in supporting accessibility to the humanities, cultural preservation, and lifelong studying.
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Public Establishments Should Stay Impartial of Political Agendas: Imposing ideological management or content-based restrictions violates basic rules of creative independence, freedom, and expression.
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The Arts and Humanities Are Nonpartisan Public Items: Each Republicans and Democrats acknowledge the worth of the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and CPB. These companies embody shared nationwide values like training, innovation, and creativity. Undermining them threatens America’s power and management.
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Congress Should Act to Shield the Arts: It’s crucial that Congress reject any proposals aimed toward eliminating or proscribing funding for these important cultural companies.
Here is how one can take motion now:
Now isn’t the time to retreat from our dedication to the humanities and humanities – it’s a second to speculate boldly in tradition, creativity, and the shared tales that unite us as a nation. We’ll proceed to work tirelessly with our companions to coach the brand new Administration, Congress, and the American public concerning the vital function our nation’s cultural companies serve in remodeling communities and enriching the lives of each American.
Sincerely,
Erin Harkey
CEO, Individuals for the Arts
