Industry & Advocacy News

Authors Guild Supports Increase in NEA and NEH Funding for Cultural Enrichment, Artistic Diversity, and Economic Prosperity

Literary Culture

August 5, 2023

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The Authors Guild supports President Biden’s proposal to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). In President Biden’s latest budget proposal, the NEA budget was slated to increase to $211 million, up by $4 million from the previous year. The Senate approved a budget of $207 million, like its 2023 budget. However, the House marked up its FY24 Appropriations bill and proposed a ten percent cut to NEA/NEH funding, bringing it down to $186.3 million, significantly below the President’s budget request.

We believe that robust funding for both the NEA and NEH is crucial for the advancement of the arts, education, research, and critical inquiry. These institutions provide vital financial support to artists, writers, and creators, ensuring that their work can reach diverse audiences and contribute to the strengthening of our democratic culture.

The arts and culture sector also plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and bolstering local economies. Reducing NEA funding may mean lost opportunities for talented individuals, less investment in the creative industries, and an overall decline in the richness of public discourse. The NEA and NEH make it possible for scholars and creators to foster innovation, social discourse, and cultural understanding.

We urge lawmakers on both sides to work together to ensure that these vital institutions continue to be able to fulfill their important mission for the benefit of all Americans.