"The life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation's purpose, and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." — John F. Kennedy, Conversations In Advocacy #20
Many arts programs nationwide depend on critical funding from the National Endowment For The Arts—an agency fighting for survival amidst proposed budgetary cuts.
Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee released their spending bill for Interior and Environmental Agencies, which includes the NEA. Fortunately, it set the NEA funding level for the coming fiscal year, beginning October 1, at $155 million, which marks a $2 million increase compared to last year.
This good news does not come from luck. The Recording Academy's own President/CEO Neil Portnow urged the agency set the funding at this level by submitting written testimony on behalf of the music community and arts community.
"It's our collective responsibility to preserve what binds us and to ensure that the whole world continues to benefit from one of our most unique and economically and spiritually important assets — and exports: American music," Portnow wrote. "It's an investment worth making."
Portnow's passionate words came after President Donald Trump proposed the elimination of NEA funding in his budget for the second straight year. Also for the second straight year, instead of following the budget proposed by the White House, the House Appropriations Committee listened to the pleas of the arts community, including Portnow's testimony on behalf of the Recording Academy and the music creators it represents.
But the arts are not out of the woods yet, as the Committee is now scheduled to vote on the spending bill next week. Following their vote, the full House of Representatives will weigh in on the bill along with all other appropriation bills. The Senate will also have to pass similar spending bills, including funding for the NEA, before the end of the fiscal year..
Portnow submitted additional written testimony to the Senate in April asking that the Upper Chamber also sets NEA funding at $155 million, pointing out that, "In 2016 NEA funds yielded more than $500 million in matching support — leveraging outside funds at a ratio of 9:1."
The numbers certainly add up when it comes to a return on investment in the arts. Thus far, arts advocates such as Portnow and the Recording Academy, have helped protect the NEA, but now is the time to send a loud, clear message of support to your representatives.
Visit our Advocacy Action page to learn how you can make a difference in the fight to maintain crucial funding for the arts.
"Conversations in Advocacy" is your weekend digital tip sheet on music advocacy and the policies that affect music makers and their craft. New installments post every Friday.
