National Endowment for the Arts Cuts Grants for Theatres as Trump Proposes Eliminating Agency
The Public Theater, Actors' Equity, and others are vowing to fight back against the funding cuts.
On Friday, May 2, the Trump Administration released its 2026 budget proposal to Congress, which included eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and other smaller agencies. Trump also proposed a 13-percent increase to defense spending, totaling $1.01 trillion. By contrast, the NEA budget is just $207 million.
That same evening, not-for-profit theatres across the country received letters that stated the grants they had been previously scheduled to receive had been rescinded. The NEA funds projects across many disciplines including dance, theatre, visual arts, and film—with grant funding ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The agency had been expected to provide $3.73 million this year to 148 theatres; it is not yet clear how many theatres had their funding revoked.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | May 5, 2025 11:09 PM
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In the form letter, which was consistent across the many theatres that received them, officials said that the agency was prioritizing projects that "reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities. The NEA will now prioritize projects that elevate the Nation's HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions, celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI competency, empower houses of worship to serve communities, assist with disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs, make America healthy again, support the military and veterans, support Tribal communities, make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful, and support the economic development of Asian American com
| by Anonymous | reply 1 | May 5, 2025 10:02 PM
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Said the Public Theater in a statement posted on social media: "This move is more than just a budget cut, it’s a blow to the heart of our cultural life. The loss of these grants will inflict real and lasting harm on arts organizations across the country, many of which are already struggling. But this isn’t just about funding. It’s a clear signal: an attempt to silence the voices of artists and to strip away the idea that art belongs to all of us, that it is a shared, public good at the core of our democracy." The Public was set to receive $35,000 for its free Shakespeare in the Park production this summer.
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | May 5, 2025 10:03 PM
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So not that I support this in any way, but NEA funding has been drastically stripped down over the past 40 years, hasn't it?
I dimly recall some point in the 80s/90s where many not-for-profits were turning to private donations after NEA funds were reduced.
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | May 5, 2025 11:03 PM
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Big shock there. Republicans have been trying to murder the NEA for decades. Eldergays may recall the kerfuffle over a crucifix in urine and Robert Mapplethorpe with a whip handle in his poozer.
| by Anonymous | reply 4 | May 5, 2025 11:09 PM
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