Statement from the Cultural Alliance on the federal funding freeze

“Whiplash” is the word we’ve been hearing across the cultural community over the past 48 hours. As the news of a federal funding freeze and the subsequent reversal has broken, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance has been monitoring these updates to prepare for aggressive advocacy action. While shifting announcements from Washington have made the future of funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS), and other federal agencies unclear, the creative sector must be prepared for the strong likelihood of future threats.

Between 2020-2024, direct grants from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS to organizations and agencies in Pennsylvania totaled $111,251,968, with 967 grants distributed by the three agencies. This includes nearly $42.5 million in funding distributed to organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania during the same period. The potential consequences of any action to freeze or cut federal funding will be felt acutely on national and local levels. 

Make no mistake – organizations that provide diverse and inclusive programming and receive federal support should brace for imminent policy changes, including rescinded funding. We know that arts and culture organizations are on the front lines of serving diverse communities and deepening our understanding of our shared heritage. While there may be nationwide discourse about diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, the commitment of our cultural community has not wavered. Our community must stand united as we prepare for the challenging days ahead.

During these times of uncertainty, one of the roles of the Cultural Alliance is to collect factual information, assess the impact, and develop an advocacy strategy. To help defend arts and culture initiatives against future threats, we are asking you to share the impact of federal funding on your organization. 

• What are the sources of your federal funding?
• How would a pause or other restrictions on federal funding affect your organization?
• What primary audiences or participants will be affected by cuts or funding restrictions?

TAKE THE SURVEY

Arming ourselves with this data will allow us to mobilize against future threats to critical funding sources for our community. We will use your feedback to inform our congressional delegation about the potential for devastating impacts to our region’s creative sector.  

Let’s come together in solidarity across the sector, collaborate with our stakeholders, and unite with allies to protect our community and ensure a sustainable future for the arts. The arts and culture community has long faced financial unpredictability, and we’ve learned that we must adapt to the shifting tides of the political landscape. Now more than ever, the roles and resources of our local philanthropic, public and private sectors are crucial to ensuring the creative sector benefits from stable, reliable funding.

Please join us in our proactive response. Sign up for Advocacy Alerts and share information by participating in our survey.

In service, 

Patricia Wilson Aden
President & CEO
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance 

Gerald Veasley
Chair of the Board of Directors
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance