Momentum Builds for the Arts in Washington, D.C.

Thanks to your continued action and the tireless leadership of our federal partner, Americans for the Arts (AFTA), we have encouraging news to share:

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), released its FY’26 funding bill—and it includes full funding of $207 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

At a time when many federal agencies are facing deep cuts, simply maintaining arts and cultural funding is a hard-won victory—and it wouldn’t be possible without your advocacy and the work of partners like AFTA.

As you may have seen last week, the House proposed significantly lower funding—only $135 million each for the NEA and NEH. But based on recent history and your sustained pressure, we expect the House will ultimately accept the Senate’s higher numbers in the final bill, just as it has the past two years.

What's Next:

• After the August recess, both chambers of Congress will vote on their respective FY’26 Interior Appropriations bills.

• We anticipate potential floor amendments that could attempt to cut arts funding—we’ll alert you when your voice is needed again.

• If Congress doesn’t pass all appropriations bills by September 30, a temporary Continuing Resolution may be required to keep the government open at FY’25 funding levels. Otherwise, we could see a federal government shutdown.

We’re grateful for your voice, your action, and your commitment to protecting the arts. Together with partners like AFTA, MCA is proud to stand with you in this fight—because without advocacy, there is no funding.

2025 End of Session Webinar Recording

What really happened at the Capitol—and what it means for the arts.

Minnesota’s 2025 legislative session brought surprises, challenges, and high-stakes negotiations—and now, the real story can be told.

Join Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) Executive Director Sarah Fossen and powerhouse lobbyists Joe Bagnoli and Haley Cobb from Winthrop & Weinstine for a candid, behind-the-scenes breakdown of what went down, what we won, and what’s next for arts funding in Minnesota.

Watch now and get the full story—straight from the front lines.