Kentuckians for the Arts

Advocacy is speaking passionately and clearly about a subject that impacts your life

The FY26 federal budget request released by the White House on May 2 called for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) along with other cultural agencies. In addition, NEA grantees across the
country, including some in Kentucky, received notifications that their awards had been terminated or withdrawn from consideration.

Budget recommendations from the White House are the beginning of the appropriations process, and and Congress will work to formulate a final federal budget. As arts advocates we can work to effect change to
have NEA funding restored in the final budget.

Take action now by contacting Senators McConnell, Paul,
and your Congressional Representative and asking them to
sustain support for the NEA in the FY26 federal budget.
Use the resources provided below and be specific about what those funds mean to your community.

Sign-on Letter in Support of the National Endowment for the Arts

Contact Your Kentucky Members of Congress

Find out who your representative is

Breaking News Updates Affecting the Arts and Culture

Messaging Points in Support of the National Endowment for the Arts

National Endowment for the Arts Return on Investment

NEA Arts Action Update PowerPoint

Guidance for NEA Grantees Facing Termination or Withdrawal of Grant Offer

Setting up a meeting with your legislators

Find your legislators

Between legislative sessions is a great time to meet with your legislator in your community. Invite him or her to visit your facility or attend a program. Meet them for coffee. Share the story of your organization and its role in the community.

If you schedule a meeting with your legislator in Frankfort during a legislative session, plan to arrive in plenty of time before your meeting, since parking can be a challenge. We recommend that you park in the Capitol garage. There is no charge for parking. You will enter the Capitol Annex and/or Capitol through the main front doors and will need to show a photo ID.

Directions to Kentucky State Capitol

Maps of Kentucky State Capitol and Capitol Annex

How Arts Education Decisions Are Made in Kentucky Schools: An Overview: Arts Education Advocacy

Making Arts Advocacy Work for You for Educators (PowerPoint Presentation)

Investigating Arts Education Effects on School Engagement and Climate

Questions to Ask About Your Child's School

MAKE ADVOCACY PART OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S CULTURE
Is your nonprofit organization interested in being more involved in advocating for public policy supportive of the arts and creative industry, but not sure how to begin? Your organization’s leadership can be powerful advocates and should be at the forefront of building public understanding and support by elected officials. This webinar will outline what your organization is legally allowed to do, how and when to advocate, tools for incorporating advocacy into your day-to-day work, and how to begin taking action now. Learn how to build the advocacy capacity of your staff and board and make advocacy a part of your organization’s culture.
View video of the webinar

ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTS: YOU CAN DO IT!
The arts community has been, and continues to be, disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and voicing support for the arts and arts funding is more important now than ever. Individual artists, nonprofit organizations, educators and other creative workers and arts professionals can all play a role in advocating for the arts.
View video of the webinar

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS: BUILDING YOUR ADVOCACY MESSAGE
Preparing your message in advance is essential to effective arts advocacy, but many in the arts community feel unsure on what to say and whom to say it to. Join this unique workshop to learn about a simple messaging technique you can use to craft advocacy messages about the arts issues important to you.
View video of the webinar