President's 2021 Budget Proposes Eliminating Cultural Agencies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2020

CONTACT: Johanna Tschebull
202.833-1717 x106

Yesterday, the White House released its fiscal year 2021 budget proposal. For the fourth year in a row, the administration has proposed eliminating numerous cultural agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

In December, due to strong bipartisan support, the House and the Senate increased the budgets of both the NEA and the NEH by $7 million, appropriating $162 million to each agency for fiscal year 2020. The administration’s budget proposal often serves as a blueprint for the president’s priorities, without actually impacting the congressional appropriations process.

Dance/USA continues to advocate on behalf of the dance field on policies that support dance and the performing arts. As a National Partner for Arts Advocacy Day on March 31, Dance/USA is joining advocates from across the country in asking Congress to fund the NEA and NEH at $170 million for fiscal year 2021.

Please join us in reaching out to members of Congress and urging them to continue to support robust funding for the NEA. 

FY2021 Budget Proposal

  • NEA: The budget requests $30 million to close out the agency;
  • NEH: The budget requests $33.4 million to close out the agency;
  • IMLS: The budget requests $23 million to close out the agency;
  • Corporation for Public Broadcasting: The budget requests $58 million over two years to close out the agency;
  • State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: The budget requests $310 million, a reduction of $421 million from the current fiscal year;
  • The Assistance for Arts Education program at the U.S. Department of Education, currently funded at $30 million, would be defunded and consolidated into the Elementary and Secondary Education for the Disadvantaged Block Grant.

Dance/USA advocates on behalf of the dance field and relies on its member community to continue to represent artists, dance makers, and dance groups. Support dance advocacy by renewing your membership or becoming a new member today!

Thank you for your ongoing advocacy!

About Dance/USA
Propelled by our belief that dance can inspire a more just and humane world, Dance/USA will amplify the power of dance to inform and inspire a nation where creativity and the field thrive.

Dance/USA is the national service organization for the professional dance field. Established in 1982, Dance/USA champions an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations.  Dance/USA’s core programs are focused in the areas of engagement, advocacy, research, and preservation. Learn more about Dance/USA at danceusa.org.