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Learn about NEFA's current advocacy work, find organizations that advocate for the sector in New England and nationally, and learn about the impact of the arts.
Contact:
Ann Wicks, Communications Director & Co-Accessibility Coordinator
Direct: 617-423-1390
The New Hampshire legislature voted to pass its FY2026–2027 budget on Thursday, June 26; it was signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte the following day.
The budget slashes state funding for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts by 90% (to $150,000/year), and includes language to create the Granite Patron for the Arts Fund and an associated business tax credit. The council is now ineligible to receive partnership funds from the National Endowment for the Arts (about $1 million per year) as federal funds require a match with state funding. The budget also eliminates the state’s Percent for Art program, which has been in existence since 1979. The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is now the lowest-funded State Arts Agency in the United States.
View this interview with the NH commissioner of Natural and Cultural Resources, Sarah Stewart: Arts community faces uncertainty under new tax credit funding system | CloseUp.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts helped generate $3.5 billion for the New Hampshire economy in 2023. Learn more.
You may contact Governor Kelly Ayotte or call 603-271-2121 and remind the Governor about the important cultural, economic, and health benefits the arts provide in your community. You may also want to contact your Senator and Representatives:
Contact Your NH House Representative
(6/9/25) After issuing an executive order in May to cut future funding for NPR and PBS, the current administration is attempting to claw back two years of approved Congressional funding through a rescissions package. The bill could be voted on the House floor as soon as Tuesday, June 10. Both NPR and PBS have filed lawsuits challenging the order.
You can help by contacting your US House Representative or visit www.ProtectMyPublicMedia.org.
Contact your Members of Congress
The White House proposed budget includes no funding for the NEA, NEH, and IMLS.
On June 6, U.S. House Representatives - and Arts Caucus co-chairs - Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Michael Turner (R-OH) led more than 120 of their colleagues in urging President Trump to restore National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant funding approved by Congress.
Contact your members of Congress about the important cultural, economic, and health benefits the arts provide in your community.
Contact your Members of Congress
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) face significant budget cuts that will substantially reduce staff, cut programs, and rescind grants that have already been awarded.
Active Campaigns to Protect the Federal Cultural Agencies at Risk:
A lawsuit was filed on May 1, 2025, to reverse the administration's actions towards the NEH. Read the lawsuit announcement. On June 10, it was announced that two thirds of the agency staff has been laid off, and the agency plans to make half the amount of grants in this year.
As of May 21, staff at the Institute of Museum & Library Services are returning to work and grants in plaintiff states have been reinstated, but this is only temporary.
Let your Members of Congress know that you support the work of the NEH and the IMLS:
Contact your Members of Congress
This legislation passed the House on April 10. Learn how this will disenfranchise voters, and tell your Senators what you think.
Contact your Members of Congress
NEFA's grants and resources support artists and organizations in all six New England states. This work is possible through our partnership with New England's state art agencies, the National Endowment for the Arts, and additional funders.
Learn more about NEFA's partnership with the New England state art agencies
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