ArtsWestchester is launching a crowdfunding campaign today — Thursday, May 15 — in response to $285,000 in federal grant terminations affecting several of the organization’s initiatives.
The recent termination of three National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants is part of the federal government’s effort to redirect spending to priorities favored by President Donald J. Trump. The canceled NEA grants are in addition to previously terminated grants by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
“We are deeply disappointed by these decisions, which impair our ability to deliver important cultural events and related educational programs to the residents of Westchester County,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. “These cuts also affect the Westchester arts sector’s ability to generate $183 million in annual economic activity. We urge individuals, businesses and foundations to step forward and help us fill this unexpected funding gap, which could worsen with the proposed elimination of the NEA.”
The grant terminations will most immediately affect ArtsWestchester’s fall exhibit and its related public programming. “Meltdown” (Oct. 5 through Jan. 11) explores climate change through art. The Trump Administration has removed references to climate change on government websites.
The NEA has been a leading funder of ArtsWestchester, contributing more than $525,000 since 2014 in matching grants for contemporary visual art exhibits, folk art programs, public art initiatives, performances and an artist subgrant program. NEA grants allowed ArtsWestchester to provide honoraria and commissions to more than 170 artists, supporting them in developing new work and reaching new audiences.
ArtsWestchester is one of many arts organizations affected by federal grant terminations. As of today, ArtsWestchester has tallied about $1.7 million in IMLS and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant terminations to local arts groups. The arts council is surveying groups related to news of this month’s NEA cuts.
ArtsWestchester is calling on community members to:
- Contact their federal elected officials to express their concern about the termination of NEA grants and the importance of federal funding for the arts.
- Consider donating to ArtsWestchester’s Fill-the-Gap campaign to help bridge the unexpected funding deficit and ensure the success of shows like “Meltdown” and its related programming. Donations can be made online or by contacting Development Director Ruth Zamoyta at 914-428-4220 or development@artswestchester.org.
