Americans for the Arts

As our #50Stories50States campaign continues, Former NEA Chair Jane Chu understood the beautiful progression of how the arts work in communities. It starts with economic impact—jobs created, businesses supported, tourism generated. But it becomes something deeper: community vitality that creates spaces where people feel they truly belong. This is what we’re celebrating this week through stories from communities across America. Stories that show how the arts create not just economic opportunity, but the social fabric that makes a place feel like home. What made you feel like you belonged? A community choir that welcomed you with open arms? An art class that became your safe space during a difficult time? A cultural celebration that honored your heritage when you felt unseen? Share your story by completing this sentence: The arts and humanities gave me _____ when _____. Each story we collect becomes proof of what we stand to lose if federal arts funding disappears. 👉 Join the movement. Share your story. https://bit.ly/2EqFaYQ #NationalArtsAndHumanitiesMonth #StoriesUniteUs

As we continue our #50Stories50States campaign, Former NEA Chair Rocco Landesman understood something essential about the arts’ power to transform communities. This week, we’re highlighting stories that prove this truth every day—from rural theaters that anchor Main Streets to community art centers that create gathering spaces where none existed before. The arts don’t just beautify communities; they create the economic engines and civic connections that help places not just survive, but thrive. What arts experience brought new life to your community? A festival that filled empty streets? A mural that sparked pride? A theater that became the heart of downtown? Share your story by completing this sentence: The arts and humanities gave me _____ when my community _____. At a time when federal arts funding faces real threats, these community stories show exactly what’s at stake. 👉 Stories Unite Us. Share your story. https://bit.ly/2EqFaYQ #NationalArtsAndHumanitiesMonth #StoriesUniteUs

✨ Our #50Stories50States campaign this October is rooted in something Former NEA Chair Bill Ivey understood about the NEA’s role in our democracy. This is exactly why we launched this campaign. We’re creating that centerpiece moment - bringing together voices from across America to show how the arts and humanities transform lives and strengthen communities. Each story we share becomes part of that conversation. Each experience becomes advocacy. Each voice adds to the enthusiasm building across our nation. Right now, as Congress considers cuts to arts funding, we need that chorus of voices more than ever. 👉 Join the movement. Share your story. https://bit.ly/2EqFaYQ #NationalArtsAndHumanitiesMonth #StoriesUniteUs

As we launch our #50Stories50States campaign this October, Former NEA Chair Jane Alexander reminds us of the words President Lyndon B. Johnson spoke 60 years ago when he founded the NEA. These aren’t just beautiful words - they’re a call to action. Over the next month, we’re collecting stories from across America that show how the arts and humanities create the vision our communities need to thrive. Because when we invest in the arts and humanities, we’re investing in America’s most precious heritage: our people and their limitless creativity. At a time when federal arts funding faces real threats, your voice has never mattered more. 👉 Stories Unite Us. Add your voice to the growing chorus. 🔗 https://bit.ly/42Ve1oP #NationalArtsAndHumanitiesMonth #StoriesUniteUs

It's week two of National Arts & Humanities Month, and we’re already hearing from people across the country through our 50 Stories, 50 States campaign. Each submission demonstrates how the arts and humanities strengthen communities, fuel local economies, and preserve our shared heritage—embodying this year’s theme: Stories Unite Us. Record a 30-second video completing this sentence: The arts and humanities gave me _____ when _____. Your story matters because: ✓ It shows policymakers the real impact of arts funding in communities like yours ✓ It demonstrates the breadth of lives touched by NEA and NEH programs ✓ It helps protect these vital investments for future generations ✓ It reminds us that creativity shapes who we are as a nation When we unite our voices, we create advocacy too powerful for Congress to ignore. 👉 Join the movement. Add your voice to this growing chorus. 🔗 https://bit.ly/42Ve1oP #50Stories50States #NationalArtsAndHumanitiesMonth #StoriesUniteUs

It's National Arts & Humanities Month—the nation’s largest annual celebration of arts and culture. Every October, we recognize how artists, educators, art administrators, veterans, and community leaders use creativity to strengthen our democracy, fuel our economy, and preserve America’s story. This year’s theme—Stories Unite Us—reflects the power of shared experiences to shape our national identity. However, with federal arts and humanities funding facing significant threats, advocacy has never been more critical. Americans for the Arts is launching 50 Stories, 50 States, a national campaign collecting stories from across all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia that demonstrate the transformative impact of the arts and humanities across all communities. We invite you to participate: Record a 30-second video completing this sentence: “The arts and humanities gave me _____ when _____. Need inspiration? The arts gave you: 🤝 Community when I sought connection and belonging 🎤 Voice when I was ready to be heard 🌟 Joy when I needed to be reminded of life’s beauty 🏛️ Imagination when new possibilities began to unfold 🌈 Hope when I looked toward a brighter future Our goal is bold: not just 50 stories, but hundreds of voices that prove the arts and humanities are essential to America’s future. When we unite our voices, we create powerful advocacy that Congress cannot ignore. Your professional experience and personal story can help protect these vital resources for future generations. Share your story: https://bit.ly/42Ve1oP #50Stories50States #NationalArtsAndHumanitiesMonth #StoriesUniteUs

Last night’s NEA at 60 event at American University honored a powerful legacy: six decades of federal arts support shaping American life. Hosted by Americans for the Arts, NASAA, and American University’s Arts Management Program, the evening brought together leaders across the field — including a rare video featuring all seven living NEA chairs reflecting on the agency’s past, present, and future. 🎥 Their words offered a compelling reminder that the NEA is more than an agency — it’s a unifying force: “There’s a tremendous history there of bipartisanship — or un-partisanship — which I think is very important.” — Rocco Landesman, Former NEA Chair (2009–2012) “Once you see how many ways — from being a culture bearer, from being a way to bring economic vitality and community vitality within a city, a community, and even rural areas — then we start seeing the vast array of ways that the arts permeate our lives and can celebrate and make us feel like we belong.” — Jane Chu, Former NEA Chair (2014–2018) “The NEA isn’t just a funder — it is a national resource. Our ability to have a national view allows us to understand what is happening in these extremely diverse communities.” — Maria Rosario Jackson, NEA Chair (2021–2025) As we begin National Arts & Humanities Month tomorrow, these voices set the stage for what’s ahead. This October, we’re launching 50 Stories, 50 States — a nationwide campaign to spotlight how the arts and humanities strengthen communities, connect us to one another, and shape who we are. 🗣️ Your story matters — and your voice is part of a powerful national chorus. 📌 And yes — as conversations about funding for the NEA and NEH in Congress continue, that chorus matters more than ever. ▶️ Watch the NEA at 60 video featuring all seven living NEA chairs: https://lnkd.in/e9JFtVeD #NEAat60 #NAHM #50Stories50States #ProtectTheNEA #SupportTheNEH

How many times have you engaged with artists today? From the music on your commute to the architecture of your office, artists shape our daily lives in ways we often overlook. Tomorrow begins National Arts and Humanities Month—a time to celebrate how literature, museums, theater, and cultural works connect us to history and each other, promote well-being, and strengthen communities. The impact is staggering: ▶️ $1.2 trillion contributed to the U.S. economy annually ▶️ 5.4 million jobs supported ▶️ Thousands of cultural organizations in every state But this infrastructure faces unprecedented threats as Congress debates FY 2026 funding: 🚨 House proposes devastating 35% cuts to NEA and NEH 📊 Senate proposes maintaining current levels ⚖️ Final decisions still ahead as negotiations continue The arts are so woven into our lives that it’s easy to overlook them—but they are more than entertainment, they are a lifeline. In every state, in every town—the arts and humanities shape who we are. This October, we’re launching 50 Stories, 50 States under this year’s theme: Stories Unite Us. Get ready to tell your story and be part of a united voice for the arts. 👉 Follow along this month and help us #ProtectTheNEA #SupportTheNEH #NAHM #50Stories50States

✨ We’re Hiring! ✨ Do you believe in the power of the arts to spark change? Join our team at Americans for the Arts and help strengthen the arts from the ground up. Open Roles: Chief Marketing Officer Digital Communications Manager Senior Director, Individual Giving & Major Gifts Why join us? ✔️ Work at the intersection of culture + social impact ✔️ Collaborate with policymakers, advocates & community leaders ✔️ Be part of a team that values inclusion, imagination & action 👉 Apply now through the Careers page: https://bit.ly/2OCS5If Know someone who’d be a great fit? Share this post to spread the word!

✨ Please join us for an evening celebrating 60 years of the National Endowment for the Arts ✨ 📅 Monday, September 29, 2025 🕕 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Reception to follow Hosted by: 🎙️ Pam Breaux (National Assembly of State Arts Agencies) 🎙️ Erin Harkey (Americans for the Arts) 🎙️ Andrew Taylor (Arts Management Program, American University) In conversation with: 🎭 Edgar Dobie (Arena Stage) 🎭 Ayanna Hudson (Americans for the Arts) 🎭 Sunil Iyengar (National Endowment for the Arts) Plus, a special video premiere featuring the seven living NEA chairs. Let’s come together to honor six decades of advancing the arts across America. The program will be livestreamed. Register for In-Person Attendance: https://bit.ly/4pC3RmX Resister for live-stream: https://bit.ly/3Iq1P8O #NEA60 #ArtsMatter #CreativeNation