This week, the respective U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittees responsible for the bills to fund the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) approved funding levels that would allow the three institutions to remain operational going forward.

Today, the House of Representatives took the first step in rejecting calls from the Trump Administration to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

More funding is reaching theaters across the country as the National Endowment for the Arts announces its second round of grants for FY 2017.

The Chicago Humanities Festival has released the following statement on President Trump's proposed elimination of federal arts and humanities funding.

Kate Shindle, President of Actors' Equity Association, the national labor union representing professional actors and stage managers, released the following statement in reaction to President Trump's proposed budget for 2018.

In news which was unfortunately expected, Donald Trump's official budget for the fiscal year 2018 will call for the eventual elimination of funding for The National Endowment for the Arts.

A diverse group of employers-ranging from the Motion Picture Association of America to the Tulsa Ballet-united with unions representing professionals from across the arts and entertainment industry to support continued full funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in Fiscal Year 2018.

Kate Shindle, President of Actors' Equity, the national labor union representing professional actors and stage managers, released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would fully fund the National Endowment for the Arts for the remainder of the federal government's fiscal year.

The National Endowment for the Arts has been in trouble since day one of the Trump administration, and the arts community has been extremely vocal in urging its retainment. Congressional support is growing, and according to The New York Times, a letter urging an increase in NEA funding now has over 150 signatures including 11 House Republicans.

In light of the news that the current presidential administration has recommended eliminating funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, Jeff Moore, the Dean, of the College of Arts & Humanities at the University of Central issued a statement on the importance of the NEA's funding just days before UCF's signature artistic event UCF Celebrates the Arts. The week of events will take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from April 7th-14th, and will include performances, displays, discussions, and more from all of the schools in the College of Arts & Humanities.

The role of the arts in helping heal the signature wounds of our recent wars is significant and expanding.

As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday morning, as many have feared, the the Trump administration's budget plans will indeed eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities- the first time this has been proposed since their creation in 1965.

As BroadwayWorld reported in January, as a part of the Trump Administration's plans to reduce federal spending by $10.5 trillion over the next 10 years, it was revealed that the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities would be eliminated entirely.

Following news this morning from Washington, Kate Shindle, President of the Actors' Equity Association representing 50,000 stage actors and stage managers across the nation, raised her voice against cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts at a National Press Club Newsmaker. 

Performers from The Great Comet, A Bronx Tale, Spamilton, and recording artist Betty Who lend voices for Don't Funk With My Art(s Education) Vol. 1 benefit at Don't Tell Mama on Monday, March 20th, at 7:30PM.

With the nation's budget deadline looming, the National Endowment for the Arts is still at risk. Lincoln Center has just released the following statement in support of the NEA.

The New York Times reports that Trump has not backed down on intentions to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts as a way to curb government spending and balance the budget. Budget planning was already delayed as the budget office waited for the confirmation of Mick Mulvaney as budget director, and the administration now hopes to have a plan finalized by March 13.

As reported by BWW last month, President Donald Trump's initiative to shrink government spending involves the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts, an organization which provides funding and support to artistic projects throughout the nation.

The overall assumption regarding an interest in the arts seems to be one of partisan politics. Its value is an often debated topic in a divided nation whose idealistic chasm grows wider by the day. For many, the fate of the arts remains a concern of those confined to what conservatives label a 'coastal bubble.' A fringe frivolity to be cast aside in favor of funding more 'practical' ventures.

A petition was created on January 21st seeking to preserve the National Endowment for the Arts, but since then, here have been many reports from signees that the petition is not counting signatures. The count currently reads '46 signed' despite hundreds of tweets from signees saying they've added their names. The 'share with others' link is also taking many users to an error page. So where can you sign?

A petition was created on January 21st seeking to preserve the National Endowment for the Arts, but since then, here have been many reports from signees that the petition is not counting signatures. The count currently reads '46 signed' despite hundreds of tweets from signees saying they've added their names. The 'share with others' link is also taking many users to an error page. So where can you sign?

In a recent Facebook post, well-known Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell made a statement about news surrounding the National Endowment of the Arts. Discussion has circulated suggesting the incoming administration intends to eliminate the NEA entirely. Stokes, who is on the board of Americans for the Arts, responded to this possibility in defense of the arts, and issues a call to action for arts advocates to recognize how important artistic funding is for the country.

BWW reported this week via The Hill that the Trump Administration plans to reduce federal spending including possibly eliminating the NEA. The Dramatists Guild of America has issued a response.

While the agency obviously plays a significant role in the arts, BWW took a closer look at its extensive function in promoting theater in America.