Summer Federal Advocacy Update: What’s at Stake, What’s Ahead

E ke Kaiāulu Komohana Creative,

As Congress enters August recess, we’re reflecting on a summer of high-stakes federal policy developments. This summer has underscored the complexity—and urgency—of cultural policy at the federal level. We’ve seen efforts to cut funding for key institutions, growing scrutiny of public agencies, and legal and legislative actions that will reshape the cultural landscape for years to come.

But we’re also seeing signs of resilience and resolve: bipartisan defense of core arts agencies, the release of long-delayed education funds, and demand for action from advocates who understand that the arts are central to democracy, belonging, and care. At Creative West, we remain committed to a deeper strategy: one rooted in coordination and the long-term work of strengthening civic infrastructure.

Below you’ll find timely federal policy updates and reflections on what’s ahead. You’ll also see how, even in tough times, advocacy works—from Capitol Hill to city hall—and why your voice, especially now, matters more than ever.

Key Federal Developments

     1. NEA, NEH, and IMLS: A Mixed Picture for Federal Cultural Agencies Funding

On July 24, the Senate proposed level funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities—$207 million each—matching FY2025 levels. This proposal stands in stark contrast to the House’s earlier push for 35% cuts. We are grateful to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins for their leadership in helping secure this result. These divergent proposals set up major funding debates which will resume this fall.

Meanwhile, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a bill on July 31 that includes $51.2 million for the grant programs administered by the IMLS Office of Museum Services—a slight decrease from previous years. The House has not yet released its version of the IMLS budget, leaving a key part of our cultural infrastructure in flux.

Still, we know that simply sustaining these agencies is not enough. We’ve heard the concerns from many of you: that the federal grants process is increasingly burdensome and risky. We hear you. Defending public funding for culture means more than guarding against cuts—it means advocating for systems that are transparent, inclusive, and responsive to artists and communities.

     2. Federal Arts Education: Senate Momentum, House TBD

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed its FY2026 education funding bill on July 31 with strong bipartisan support (26–3). It rejects calls to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, adds funding for Title I and IDEA, and directs the Department to administer funds efficiently and on time.

Notably, the bill proposes:

• Level funding for Title IV-A ($1.38B), supporting well-rounded education including the arts.
• $31.5M for the Assistance for Arts Education program (down slightly from FY25), with at least $8M reserved for a national program competition to support outreach, instructional materials, and professional development.

The House has not yet released its version of the bill, and negotiations will resume after the August recess.

     3. Public Media & Broad Legislative Impacts on the Cultural Sector

On July 17, Congress passed a Senate-led rescissions package that clawed back over $1 billion in previously approved funding for public broadcasting—disproportionately impacting rural and underserved communities. In parallel, the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) introduces sweeping changes to philanthropic policy, post-secondary education, technology, and international mobility and exchange. While some components may present new opportunities, others pose significant challenges for cultural nonprofits. We are beginning to analyze these impacts and will share additional information as we know more.

     4. Legal & Compliance Watch: Federal Cultural Agencies in the Courts and Policy

We’re also monitoring several pending court cases challenging the authority and funding frameworks of the NEA, NEH, and IMLS. These legal actions could further complicate agency operations and restrict grant-making flexibility—particularly in areas related to DEI, gender, and free expression. We’ll provide updates as these cases evolve.

In parallel, the Department of Justice issued new guidance on July 30 signaling that civil rights compliance is now being treated as both a legal and financial risk for federal grant recipients. While the implications are still unfolding, this could affect how cultural agencies and grantees approach program design.

Our Federal Strategy: Focused, Evolving, and Community-Informed

In our spring update, we shared a strategy built on four long-term priorities—still foundational, and more relevant than ever:

1. Defend and Strengthen Federal Cultural Agencies → This means advocating not just for robust funding, but also for access and meaningful support for all communities.
2. Support the Work of State and Local Arts Advocates → In the face of delayed federal dollars, state and local leaders are stepping up. These partners are closest to communities and critical to shaping responsive, place-based policy. We’re sharing messaging, coordinating regionally, and helping amplify their efforts.
3. Strengthen Partnerships Across and Beyond the Cultural Sector → Cultural policy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We aim to expand our collaborative coalition work across philanthropy, education, creative industries, and public media to amplify shared goals.
4. Equip the Field with Tools to Engage → We’re committed to offering clear analysis, practical tools, and opportunities for strategic engagement. We’ll continue hosting webinars, briefings, and coalition conversations—more details coming soon.

Our aim isn’t just to respond to policy change. It’s to be dynamic, amplify our collective voice, and shape the cultural policy landscape.

What’s Ahead: August Is Advocacy Season

With Congress in recess until early September, members of Congress are back in their home districts for constituent work. This is one of the most effective times to reach out—whether to request a meeting, invite them to a cultural event, or share how federal policy is impacting your organization or community.

Use this recess to remind lawmakers: arts and culture matter—to our economy and our democracy.

Need help connecting with decision-makers in your area? Our team is here to support you.

Advocacy Works! A Local Win Worth Celebrating

Amid so much national uncertainty, local efforts continue to make a difference. In Oakland, CA, community organizers mobilized this summer to protect the city’s Cultural Affairs Manager position, which had been targeted for elimination in the budget process. Thanks to their persistence, the role was reinstated—safeguarding essential leadership for the city’s cultural sector. Their success is a powerful reminder that advocacy works—not just in D.C., but wherever people organize to protect culture and care.

E noho pili a e hana

In the months ahead, we’ll continue working with partners and policymakers to ensure arts and culture remain a core part of public life. Here’s how you can stay involved:

• Call and write your Members of Congress to support final appropriations that protect the federal cultural agencies. Visit our Kikowaena Hana to find a list of campaigns for NEA, NEH, IMLS, and Arts Education.
• Share stories on social media and with local press about how delayed funding is directly impacting your community
• Connect with your state arts advocacy org—or reach out to us for introductions or support

If you need help navigating recent federal developments, our Advocacy, Alliances, and Public Policy team is here to support you. We remain committed to advancing a vision of cultural policy that reflects democracy, connection, and care. Thank you for being in this work with us.

Me ka mahalo a me ka manao paa,

Creative Komohana