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Federal Arts Funding Update from the Maine Arts Commission
May 7, 2025
Dear Friends,
As national conversations and federal disruptions continue to unfold in our communities in Maine, we remain grounded in the belief that creativity builds connection—and that connection is the foundation of a strong, healthy, and resilient society. Creativity helps us understand and shape our stories. It allows us to be seen, to be heard, to make meaning of the world around us—and it motivates us to move forward together.
With that in mind, we’re writing to provide an update on recent federal developments affecting the arts community in Maine and across the nation.
Federal Updates:
NEA Partnership Agreements Approved
On May 1, the National Council on the Arts approved FY26 Partnership Agreements for State Arts Agencies and Regional Arts Organizations, including the Maine Arts Commission.
White House Budget Proposal
On May 2, the White House released its FY26 budget request, recommending the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This marks the beginning—not the end—of the appropriations process, but it signals a potential shift in federal cultural support.
Read the full statement from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) →
NEA Grant Terminations
On May 3, the NEA issued termination notices for several direct project grants across the country, including several in Maine. The loss of these funds is a serious blow to the creative sector in our state and beyond. Grantees who received termination letters have been asked to draw down eligible funds by May 31 and may appeal by May 9.
Read NASAA’s statement on grant cancellations →
If you’ve received a grant termination notice, please contact me.
Why This Matters
- The NEA supports more than 24 million Americans each year.
- 34% of NEA projects serve high-poverty neighborhoods.
- 18% reach rural areas and small towns.
- 75% of NEA education grants support underserved youth.
- The U.S. arts and culture sector generates $1.169 trillion and employs 5.3 million Americans
- In Maine, the creative sector represents a $2.5 billion industry
- Maine's creative sector supports over 18,700 jobs—2.9% of the workforce—with total compensation of $1.23 billion
What This Means For Maine
The Maine Arts Commission continues to be funded through our NEA Partnership Agreement, which makes up approximately 48% of our annual budget. Our FY24-25 grant is intact, and our FY26 agreement has been approved. In the past year, NEA funding enabled us to award over 200 grants to artists, arts organizations, and projects in 15 counties across Maine.
We are, however, extremely concerned about the proposed elimination of the NEA and other cultural agencies in FY26–27. Several Maine-based grantees have already received termination notices, and the long-term consequences of this proposal would be severe — particularly in rural, aging, and economically vulnerable communities.
For over five decades, federal arts investment has strengthened Maine’s schools, nonprofits, and local communities. These resources support jobs, youth education, and sustain access to the arts for all Mainers.
What You Can Do
- Stay informed: If you haven't received a termination notice, your grant remains active.
- If your organization has been affected, please reach out.
- Support advocacy - Sign up for NASAA’s Legislative Alerts
- Keep going: Your continued creative work sends the strongest message of all.
Looking Ahead:
We remain committed to working with our state, regional, and national partners to safeguard Maine’s creative economy. This is not the time to scale back support for the arts —these investments are essential to the well-being of our communities. Read more about the NEA’s national impact →
Bipartisan support for the NEA remains strong. Every congressional district in the country —including every corner of Maine —benefits from this work.
We remain grateful to Maine’s congressional delegation for their longstanding support and look forward to continued collaboration as the federal budget process moves forward.
We’ll provide further updates at our next public Commission meeting on May 13 at 1PM. To attend the virtual meeting, please let us know.
Thank you for standing with us.
In partnership,
Amy Hausmann
Executive Director
Maine Arts Commission
Additional Resources
Facts and Figures: Maine Arts Return on Investment Report
About: This 2023 report compiled by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) outlines the impact of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Funding in Maine.
Alerts: Cultural Alliance of Maine (CAM)
About: If you want to know which federal staffers you should contact about national cultural policy or stay up to date on Maine's Cultural Sector, check out this great resource. CAM is the first coordinated, statewide industry alliance advancing the visibility and capacity of our diverse statewide cultural sector via collective learning, research, communications, and advocacy.
Messaging: New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA)
About: NEFA has compiled "A Collective Regional Arts Organizations NEA" from regional and state partners. They have also brought together a lot of resources on how to get involved.