Hundreds of arts and cultural organizations across the country are reeling from the news that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is terminating already-awarded grants. With a proposed federal Fiscal Year budget that eliminates the NEA these actions will have devastating consequences.

"The Design Trust for Public Space was notified that the NEA was rescinding $25,000 that would support our 2025 Request for Proposals, the core part of our programming that calls for project ideas and supports community-centered design initiatives," said Matthew Clarke, Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space. "Like other nonprofits, theatres, museums, libraries, schools, designers, planners, and artists, among others, we rely on this money to keep our doors open and to shape public life across the five boroughs. 

The arts belong to everyone in this country. Public spaces serve as the stages upon which New York City’s cultural vibrancy unfolds – they are where communities connect, where democracy flourishes, and where life happens. 

Despite this alarming setback, we remain committed to our mission unlocking the potential of New York’s public spaces, and exploring alternative funding sources and partnerships to ensure that this important work continues."

Stay up to date with us on our progress and future opportunities to collaborate in shaping the future of our city, or consider supporting our projects.

If you are a fellow organization affected by these cuts, join us in the NEA appeal process by this Friday. Learn more from: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/nonprofit-checklist-what-do-when-your-federal-grant-or-contract-terminated