2025 Year in Review: Federal Arts and Cultural Policy

These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.

In 2025, federal arts and cultural policy was shaped by instability, sustained advocacy, and measurable progress. Executive Orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, renewed efforts to eliminate federal cultural agencies, required reductions in the federal workforce, a temporary government shutdown, and ongoing litigation all affected the field. Congress also debated appropriations for the National Endowment for the Arts and other cultural agencies and enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill, which included tax reforms affecting charitable giving.

Throughout the year, Chorus America played a central role advocating for the choral field. Through direct engagement with Congress and federal agencies, coalition advocacy, and consistent communication with members, Chorus America worked to protect federal arts funding, uphold shared values, and ensure the field remained informed and engaged.

Advocacy at a Glance

• More than 30 Government Affairs Updates issued to members
• Multiple national coalition letters signed and supported
• Direct Hill meetings conducted with Congressional offices
• Action Alerts deployed enabling members to contact Congress
• Written testimony submitted to both the House and Senate
• Advocacy programming at the 2025 Conference and a webinar focused on executive orders.

Executive Orders, Workforce Reductions, and Agency Operations

The Administration issued Executive Orders directing federal agencies to eliminate or significantly curtail DEI-related offices, programs, training, and grantmaking criteria. These actions created uncertainty for arts and cultural organizations, particularly those whose missions focus on equity, access, or representation.

At the same time, mandated reductions in force led to the loss of significant staff capacity at cultural agencies, including the NEA, NEH, and IMLS. Staffing reductions slowed grant administration, limited technical assistance, and reduced agency engagement with the field.

The year also included a temporary federal government shutdown and calls for the complete elimination of the cultural agencies. Despite these disruptions, the NEA remained operational and continued core functions, providing stability for applicants and grantees.

Chorus America monitored agency guidance, shared analysis through more than 30 Government Affairs Updates (archived on the High Notes blog), and hosted a webinar to help members understand the Executive Orders and their impact.

NEA Appropriations and FY26 Status

The FY26 appropriations process unfolded amid fiscal constraint and political polarization.

• The Administration again proposed eliminating funding for the NEA, NEH, and IMLS.
• Congressional appropriators rejected elimination and advanced recommended FY26 funding for all three agencies.
• As of late 2025, Congress had not completed full-year appropriations, and the NEA was operating under a continuing resolution.

Chorus America submitted written testimony supporting strong NEA funding and activated members through Action Alerts. Chorus America joined national coalition letters opposing the elimination of cultural agencies and conducted Hill meetings to advocate directly for sustained federal support for the choral field. Despite staffing challenges, the NEA remained operational and planned to award grants to more than 450 organizations in the coming weeks.

Legal Challenges and Judicial Decisions

Courts played a significant role in shaping cultural policy outcomes in 2025. Lawsuits challenging the DEI-related Executive Orders raised constitutional and administrative law concerns.

Court decisions produced clear outcomes for the field:

• The NEA revised its Certification of Compliance language so that no group was barred from applying for funding.
• Previously cancelled IMLS grants were ordered to be reinstated.

Although some litigation remained unresolved at year’s end, these decisions prevented immediate, widespread changes to federal cultural funding and access

Advocacy Progress and Impact

Advocacy efforts produced measurable results:

• Congressional appropriators recommended continued FY26 funding for the NEA, NEH, and IMLS.
• A charitable deduction for non-itemizers was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill and will take effect in 2026.
• Court rulings protected access to NEA funding and reinstated cancelled IMLS grants.
• The NEA remained operational and prepared to distribute funding nationwide.

What This Meant for Members

Chorus America’s advocacy and communications helped member organizations navigate grant uncertainty, understand shifting federal requirements, remain eligible for funding, and stay engaged with Congress during periods of disruption, including the government shutdown and agency staffing reductions.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Entering 2026, unresolved litigation, incomplete appropriations, reduced agency staffing, and the potential for further Executive or administrative action continue to pose risks for the field. Recommended funding levels are not final, and agency capacity remains constrained following workforce reductions. In addition, efforts to rename the Kennedy Center will continue, even though only Congress has the authority to do so.

The outcomes of 2025 demonstrate the importance of sustained advocacy, coalition engagement, and member mobilization. Chorus America enters the coming year with strengthened advocacy capacity, clearer strategic focus, and a continued commitment to ensuring federal policy supports the choral field, artistic expression, cultural heritage, and equitable access to the arts.