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May 13, 2025

Advocacy in Action: Protect Federal Funding for the Arts

By M-AAA Staff

A collage image featuring a dancer, a young girl looking at a large photograph of a bug, a historical photograph of a Black man standing on a sidewalk with a sign that reads 'I AM A MAN', a colorful mural, a white man with glasses playin an upright bass.

Updated May 14, 2025

Federal support for arts and culture is changing quickly, and we need a strong, united response. Many organizations are actively engaged in advocacy, working to shape policy and secure funding to preserve and support the arts, history, and culture here in the heartland.

One of the best ways to make a big impact is by building strong relationships. Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) works with many partners and advocates to help keep arts and culture a top priority in federal funding.

To help you stay informed and take action, we’re compiling the latest data, tools, and advocacy resources from our national and regional partners. Check back for updates and new templates.

New Data on the Impact of the Arts

The arts and culture sector continues to be a powerful driver of the U.S. economy. In 2023, the most recent year for which data are available, it contributed $1.2 trillion to the nation’s GDP—4.2% of total economic output—and produced a $37 billion trade surplus.

Explore these resources for detailed economic data:

Important Actions for NEA Grantees

If Your NEA Grant Has Been Terminated

If you received a termination notice (not a withdrawal) effective May 31 2025, please note you can still make final payment requests and draw down funds until June 30, 2025. Be sure to consult your agreements and make the most of this opportunity if possible. Click here to learn more about drawing down your funds.

If Your NEA Grant Has Not Been Terminated

Out of an abundance of caution, we strongly urge all grantees to stay current on reimbursement requests and to submit final reports as quickly as possible. If you have incurred enough eligible expenses to close your grant, we recommend you do so.

M-AAA Regional Grantees (AR, KS, MO, NE, OK, TX)

If your grant has been terminated and you’re in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, or Texas, please fill out our form to help M-AAA inform congressional leaders about the local impact.

Speak Up for Federal Arts and Cultural Funding

If NEA or other federal support has helped your community, now is the time to share your story. Legislators need to hear how these programs impact real lives.

Your voice helps ensure that every community can continue to benefit from the educational, cultural, and economic power of the arts. Here are ways you can take action now.

Call Congress:

Call your Congressional delegation immediately if your grant has been delayed or cancelled.

Key talking points:

  • What public arts funding looks like in your community

  • How funding has supported you or your organization

  • Why continued investment in the NEA, NEH, and IMLS matters

Get Involved in the M-AAA Region

Here are your arts advocates in M-AAA’s six-state region of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. These groups have resources, data, and talking points to assist you in your advocacy efforts. Sign up for their newsletters, join as a member, and get engaged.

Stay Updated on Policies and Campaigns

Key news and analysis resources:

National campaigns you can join:

National Endowment for the Arts:

Institute of Museum and Library Services:

National Endowment for the Humanities:

Tools for Collective Power

Fuel your efforts with data, maps, and tracking tools:

Related: Read Joint Statement on the National Endowment for the Arts: Important Actions and Resources

Read more News & Stories

M-AAA Staff
Mid-America Arts Alliance staff contributed to this article.
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