Open Letter Calling for Federal Funding for the Arts

Dear President, Executive Leadership, Senators, and Representatives of The United States Government,

I want to appeal to the wisdom and hearts of this nation's leaders to propose a rationale for the continued federal support of the ARTS.

Our nation's fiscal health is essential to our longevity, and I appreciate that focus from leadership. However, it seems very shortsighted to cut funding to the ARTS. The ARTS have always shaped culture and indeed have created the unique talent and vision that our nation's leaders and institutions have profited from—particularly across the international landscape.

One of the key values that keeps our nation a step ahead of others is our ability to think creatively, innovatively, and imaginatively—all skills honed and nurtured by the ARTS. For decades, this field has been critical to our nation's strategic and global dominance. Devaluing it will undoubtedly leave a gap and lessen our prominence to our detriment.

Living in a small town in rural New Hampshire, I know the importance of arts programming, events, and classes for our community's health and economic growth. I am also keenly aware of the nature of nonprofit organizations and their donors when funding anything "above and beyond" the typical scope of program offerings. I also understand the long history of undervaluing artists, which often keeps creatives from making a fair and livable wage by pursuing this career.

Not only is art education declining rapidly in our nation, but opportunities for artists continue to receive lower and unstable incomes than in almost any other field. Our nonprofit organizations supporting the arts must be able to pay a fair wage to artists and offer programming that would usually be unattainable by community support alone. Federal funds enable such opportunities that combat the unspoken restrictions of the current nonprofit model.

According to a 2021 report from the NEA and BEA, most arts organizations are nonprofits, and they contribute meaningfully to GDP, at 171.3B at the time of this study. The ARTS feed tourism in our nation as well as many European and global economies. Is the USA willing to lose market share and economic success to other nations?

The ARTS are not a "nice-to-have" but a critical necessity in building the innovative and creative agility the USA is known for. If there are any shortcomings in the current systems, I would be happy to collaborate and construct a plan for the government to retain selected funding and streamline the system rather than eliminate it.

At this vulnerable time, the United States of America cannot afford to lose support of one of its unique international advantages and cultural assets. I respectfully present this for your review and appreciate your thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,

Dena Stahlheber

Executive Director

Center for the Arts – Lake Sunapee Region

Senator Responses:

"Dear Dena,

Thank you for contacting my office with your concern about federal funding for the arts and humanities. I appreciate hearing from you about this important issue.

I have always been a strong supporter of the arts and recognize the important role of government funding for many artistic endeavors.  Each year, I sign a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging continued robust support for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. I recognize the positive impact these organizations have on communities in New Hampshire and across the country, and I will continue to advocate for their funding.

Please be assured that I will keep your comments in mind as the Senate works to pass funding bills for the upcoming year. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me, and please do not hesitate to contact my office with any future concerns.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Shaheen United States Senator"