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Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us.
Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools.
Interested in receiving these updates straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email list!
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.
Mary Anne Carter Speaks with Cultural Advocacy Group
This week, Mary Anne Carter, NEA Nominated Chair, joined the Cultural Advocacy Group (CAG), of which Chorus America is an active member, to share updates and answer questions about the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
Ms. Carter reported that:
- The NEA is operating during the shutdown using carryover funds from FY25 and is expected to remain open for the near future.
- The agency began the calendar year with about 143 staff members and now employs around 100.
- The National Council for the Arts will meet on October 30 to review and vote on the next round of grant awards.
- The NEA has completed its review of all appeal applications and reinstated about 100 grants through this process.
Chorus America Joins the Arts & Juvenile Justice Coalition
Chorus America has joined the Arts & Juvenile Justice Coalition, a national advocacy group dedicated to advancing the role of the arts in the juvenile justice system. Research shows that arts participation improves economic, social, and mental health outcomes for youth who are at risk or involved in these systems.
In recent years, the coalition helped establish a national grant program through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support arts programs in the system. The coalition continues to advocate for increased funding, research, and awareness of how the arts can help youth in crisis.
Chorus America looks forward to supporting these national efforts and connecting the choral field with opportunities to serve youth in the juvenile justice system.
Want to learn more about the arts in juvenile justice?
Music Teacher Recruitment and Retention
The NAfME Music Teacher Profession Advisory Committee has authored a special issue of Teaching Music magazine focused on teacher recruitment and retention. Print copies will arrive soon, and an is available to non-members. Check it out, here!
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Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
