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Dear Arts Advocates,

Arts for LA is disheartened by the National Endowment for the Arts’ newly announced guidelines for the Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) program, which risks exacerbating inequities, silencing vital artistic voices, and dismantling years of progress toward cultural equity and inclusion in the arts and culture sector. While these changes raise serious concerns about the future of equitable arts funding, we believe it’s crucial to provide our community with hope, action, and an appeal for solidarity moving forward.

It’s important to recognize that NEA staff are navigating complex challenges. Federal agencies are being dismantled, executive orders are flooding the government apparatus, and the demand for nonprofit support has never been greater. NEA staff must balance their role as federal employees responding to administrative directives with their role as public servants to a multicultural sector in crisis. 

We also understand artists and creative workers are feeling a deep sense of betrayal under this new federal administration. Targeted attacks on diversity and inclusion initiatives are increasing fears that organizational missions are at stake. These actions threaten the work we’ve done to build arts accessibility for all, foster community cohesion and empowerment, and position creativity as economic development. 

In the foreword of its Building Bridges report, the NEA itself has emphasized the arts’ role in “promoting civic engagement, inclusivity, social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding,” and has affirmed that “cultural organizations and practitioners contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, invigorate physical spaces, fuel democracy and foster equitable outcomes.” Despite new restrictions, it’s important to remember that the adjusted grant guidelines dictate project proposals and not an organization’s mission or values. 

Let us be clear, Arts for LA is grounded in our mission to lead communities, artists, and organizations to advocate for an equitable, healthy, and vibrant Los Angeles region through the arts. Our values necessitate diversity, equity and inclusion and we understand that many nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving historically underserved communities, rely on public funding to sustain their vital work. That is why we believe our sector must remain actively involved in holding public servants accountable rather than withdrawing from engagement. 

As we navigate this challenging moment, we encourage you to:

1. Review the recent NEA Webinar for further guidance on grant guidelines (slides here)
2. Attend Americans for the Arts’ Office Hours with NEA’s Senior Advisor, Mary Anne Carter on Friday, February 21 at 1PM PST
3. Join Arts for LA and CA for the Arts for an open discussion on federal changes as we prepare for a DC trip to meet members of Congress and NEA staff
4. Continue applying for NEA funding while maintaining your organization’s core values in the face of unprecedented pressure tactics
5. Consult legal counsel before submitting grant applications if you have specific concerns

We urge the NEA to define newly restrictive terms as they relate to arts programming, offer more detailed implementation guidance, and maintain open dialogue with the field. 

In the face of wildfires, federal upheavals, and a funding crisis, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed—but staying informed, lifting each other up, and standing in unshakable solidarity has always been our north star. 

Arts for LA remains committed to monitoring government actions impacting the arts and culture sector and ensuring our community is informed and prepared to respond to policy changes that threaten equity and sustainability. We will continue to advocate at the local level for increased funding to counteract federal and state cuts, strengthen pathways to sustainable creative careers, and uphold the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for all. We’re in this together.

Always,

Arts for LA