National Endowment for the Arts

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== National Endowment for the Arts ==

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that offers support and funding for projects exhibiting artistic excellence. Established by an act of the United States Congress in 1965, the NEA aims to foster the growth and development of the arts in the United States.

History

The NEA was created through the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The agency was part of a broader effort to promote cultural development and to ensure that the arts would be accessible to all Americans.

Mission

The mission of the NEA is to strengthen the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation. The NEA supports a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, literature, visual arts, and folk arts.

Funding

The NEA provides grants to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and state and local arts agencies. These grants support a variety of projects, from performances and exhibitions to arts education programs and community outreach initiatives. The NEA's funding is allocated through a competitive process, with applications reviewed by panels of experts in the relevant artistic fields.

Programs

The NEA administers several key programs, including:

• Art Works: This program supports the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts.
• Our Town: This program supports creative placemaking projects that help to transform communities into lively, beautiful, and resilient places with the arts at their core.
• NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships: This program honors living legends who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz.

Controversies

The NEA has faced various controversies over the years, particularly regarding the content of some of the art it has funded. Critics have argued that some funded projects are offensive or inappropriate, leading to debates about the role of government in supporting the arts and the limits of artistic freedom.

Impact

Despite controversies, the NEA has had a significant impact on the arts in the United States. It has helped to bring the arts to underserved communities, supported the careers of countless artists, and contributed to the cultural richness of the nation.

Related Pages

• National Endowment for the Humanities
• National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities
• Lyndon B. Johnson
• United States Congress
• Art Works
• Our Town
• NEA Jazz Masters Fellowships