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|---|---|
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Cultural agencies in Washington, DC continue to be under attack. From Executive Orders to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities, to the latest court decision on the NEA, Congress needs to hear from you!
TAKE ACTION: Click here to find and contact your elected officials and ask them save our cultural agencies and protect artistic freedom in America!
COURT DENIES PRELIMINARY RELIEF FOR ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
On April 3, the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island denied a motion for preliminary injunctive relief by arts organizations applying for National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding. The court held that the NEA’s decision on Feb. 6 to make any project that “promotes” what the government deems to be “gender ideology” ineligible for funds likely violated the First Amendment and exceeded its statutory authority. It nevertheless concluded that, because the NEA is currently in the process of determining whether to reimpose that ban, the court could not get in the way of the agency’s decision-making process. The NEA Grants for Arts Project Part 2 Applications are due Monday, April 7.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the artists and theatres at the heart of this fight,” said Emilya Cachapero, Co-Executive Director of National and Global Programming at TCG. “This moment is about more than a single grant cycle—it’s about the future of artistic freedom in this country. We are disappointed in this decision but will continue to advocate for a theatre ecology where all voices—especially trans and nonbinary voices—are welcomed and celebrated.”
Read the full press release from the ACLU of Rhode Island here.
PROTECT ARTS IN EDUCATION: DEFEND THE DEPARTMENT OF ED
On March 20, President Trump signed an executive order directing the closure of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Prior to this order, the U.S. Department of Education announced mass layoffs, firing approximately 1,300 staff members. Arts Education receives support through Assistance for Arts Education and Title IV-A at the ED.
In January 2025, Bill H.R. 433 was introduced in the House by Rep. Hayes (D-CT) in an attempt to protect the Education Department. Read the bill text here.
TAKE ACTION: Visit the National Association for Music Education’s Action Alert here.
CULTURAL AGENCIES TARGETED BY DOGE
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
As of April 3, DOGE has begun terminating previously awarded NEH grants. These include operating grants to the state and jurisdictional humanities councils, scholarly societies, community organizations, and individuals. Earlier this week, on March 31, DOGE began the process to shrink the NEH by substantially reducing its staff and cutting the agency’s grant programs.
If you are a recipient of an NEH grant that is being terminated, please tell the National Humanities Alliance, the national advocacy organization, who can help connect you with key Hill staffers. Fill out the Alliance’s form here.
TAKE ACTION: Visit the National Humanities Alliance Action Alert here.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
On March 31, the entire staff at IMLS was placed on administrative leave for 90 days. IMLS is a small federal agency that awards grants to museums and libraries across the country. Trump has named Keith E. Sonderling as the new acting director of IMLS. Sonderling is also the deputy secretary of labor.
On March 26, a bi-partisan group of U.S. Senators wrote a letter to the acting director of IMLS advocating in support of the agency and its programs. The letter is signed by Senators Reed (D-RI), Gillibrand (D-NY), Collins (R-ME), and Murkowski (R-AK). Read the letter here.
As previously reported: On Friday, March 14, the President released a new Executive Order calling for the elimination of several government agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a vital support agency for our nation’s museums and libraries.
TAKE ACTION: Visit the American Alliance for Museum’s Action Alert here.
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Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
