press room

For Immediate Release

02/07/2005

Contact:
John Bianchi
Goodman Media for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 228


Americans for the Arts Responds to the Administration’s FY 2006
Arts and Culture Funding Recommendations

Washington, DC — February 7, 2005 — The White House today announced the Administration’s recommendations for the funding of key federal cultural agencies in the FY 2006 budget.  During a time when significant programs are suffering from major budget cuts, Americans for the Arts takes some satisfaction in President Bush’s recommendation to level fund the National Endowment for the Arts (which remains flat at $121 million) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (which stays at $138 million).  Americans for the Arts is pleased that the President requested a $4 million increase for the Museum Services Act, which is part of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  Unfortunately, the President recommended zero funding for the Arts in Education Programs through the U.S. Department of Education. 

Following President Bush’s announcement, Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch said the following:

“We appreciate the Administration’s ongoing support and funding for the arts and culture in America.  However, we are somewhat disappointed in the Administration’s budget recommendations for the NEA and NEH, considering the President requested significant increases just last year.  Of particular concern this year is a proposed redistribution of $6.5 million that would result in a 30 percent cut in the longstanding and Congressionally-popular NEA Challenge America program.  Challenge America is a highly effective program, which uses the arts to enhance America’s communities through grants for arts education and improved access to the arts for all Americans, especially in underserved communities.  The Administration’s zero-funding of the Arts in Education Programs through the Department of Education for the fifth consecutive year is disappointing in light of overwhelming evidence that these programs help create higher achieving students and have consistently been fully funded by Congress.”

“The nonprofit arts industry generates $134 billion annually for the U.S. economy, supports 4.85 million full-time jobs, and returns $10.5 billion in income tax revenue back to the federal government.  Failing to support arts education funding jeopardizes student performance.  In 2003, according to the College Entrance Examination Board, students who took four years of arts and music classes outperformed students with little arts education by 91 points on their SATs.” 

“We now call on Congress to recognize the stimulus these programs provide, as they have in years past, and make a fair investment that pays huge dividends for America’s nonprofit arts industry and America’s students.”

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 40 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

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