Create Wisconsin Action Alert - federal and state advocacy | updated May 12, 2025
Create Wisconsin Action Alert | May 12, 2025
Register now for Create Wisconsin’s Advocacy Update
Tuesday, May 13, 10-11 am
FEDERAL AND STATE BUDGET AND ADVOCACY UPDATES
In response to President Trump's proposed 2026-2027 budget, released on May 2, the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) has cancelled hundreds of grants for local projects and reduced staff positions. These cuts raise questions about the ability of the agency to meet its statutory mandates. Additionally, the White House has proposed eliminating the NEA in the latest FY26 budget proposal, as well as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which have also experienced significant grant cancellations and staff reductions in recent weeks. President Trump’s proposed seeks to reduce non-defense discretionary spending by 22.6% through deep program cuts.
The 40 percent of the NEA’s budget directed to state arts agencies, including the Wisconsin Arts Board, is currently intact.
The White House's budget recommendations are the beginning of the appropriations process, not the end. Congress holds the ultimate constitutional authority to appropriate funds to federal agencies and will formulate a budget for the NEA in the months ahead.
The national arts and creative sector advocacy networks and state arts agencies, and other national and state partners, have been mobilizing to gather information and develop collaborative advocacy platforms and actions. Create Wisconsin's job is to keep you up-to-date and in the loop. Below are current federal and state news and actions for this critical time.
Register now for Create Wisconsin’s Advocacy Update Tuesday, May 13, 10 am
Join Anne Katz, Director of Create Wisconsin, for the latest information regarding the NEA and other cultural agencies, how these changes affect the Wisconsin arts and creative sector, and how you can play a vital part in its defense. We'll also discuss the current state budget process and positive developments for investment in the arts and creativity. George Tzougros, Director of the Wisconsin Arts Board, will join the conversation.
FEDERAL ADVOCACY
Send a message to your Congressional representatives urging support of federal investment in the arts and culture.
Americans for the Arts (AFTA) Advocacy Update 5-8-25
Watch the AFTA 5-7-25 Webinar: NEA Grant Cancellations - Guidance, Support & Action Steps
Please complete AFTA's national pulse survey of arts and culture organizations and creative businesses to help gather critical information that demonstrates the human, programmatic, and financial impacts of recent executive orders that reduce the footprint of many federal agencies. The survey takes about 6 minutes to complete.
If your organization’s NEA grant has been rescinded, add your info to this spreadsheet documenting the national scale and scope of these actions.
STATE ADVOCACY
Create Wisconsin’s 2025 Legislative and State Budget Agenda
The following Create Wisconsin-backed legislative and state budget proposals are making their way through the legislative and state budget process:
Increase state GPR funding for Wisconsin Arts Board grants.
Establish Rural Wisconsin Creative Economy Grant Program.
Establish State Film Office and Film and TV Tax Incentives.
Please send a message to urge legislators to support creative sector investment. For more information, see Create Wisconsin’s 2025 Legislative Agenda.
Check the latest information on this changing situation here. As always, contact Create Wisconsin at info@createwisconsin.org | 608 255 8316 with questions, comments, and ideas.
