AGMA has called on its members to advocate for increased federal funding for the arts. Representatives in the U.S. House are currently gathering signatures for appropriation request letters, aiming for increased Fiscal Year 2026 funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
AGMA emphasized the need for swift action, stating, “The more Representatives who sign these bipartisan letters, the stronger the message to Congress that the arts and humanities are essential to the economic and cultural health of our nation and to good-paying, union jobs.”
The Department for Professional Employees has facilitated this advocacy by providing a template letter through the Action Network, which AGMA members can send to their representatives. This initiative is available until May 9 for those who wish to participate.
The NEA and NEH are highlighted for their role in supporting artists, communities, and sustaining union jobs. AGMA noted that the funding from these entities is particularly crucial for rural communities.
The call to action underscores the goal of increasing NEA and NEH funding to $1 per capita, aiming to “protect and strengthen the future of the arts and humanities.”
