I’m writing to you today to bring attention to a critical issue that will affect us all: the proposed elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) by the current administration in Washington.
Eliminating the NEA may look like a simple budget cut on paper, but the consequences reach far deeper and touch nearly every community in America. Arts funding isn’t just about paintings or performances, it supports jobs, strengthens education, fuels innovation, and helps build vibrant, inclusive communities that we all benefit from.
Budget cuts to the arts are short-sighted; lasting success in any area requires sustained, long-term investment.
In towns and cities across the country, federal NEA dollars flow into state agencies like the Ohio Arts Council, which then fund local organizations such as ArtsinStark here in Stark County. ArtsinStark supports and funds an incredibly wide range of arts groups and initiatives right in our own backyard that we all benefit from. This includes festivals, public events, museums, theaters, childhood arts education programs, community mental health initiatives, and public art installations.
These activities drive tourism, fill restaurants and shops, support small businesses, inspire and educate our children, improve mental health and well-being, and create a real, measurable economic impact.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts contribute over $1 trillion to the national economy each year and support more than 4 million jobs. While federal funding cuts may seem abstract, the effects are swift and severe at the local level.
Downtown areas lose vibrancy and safety, businesses and individuals suffer critical revenue losses, real jobs disappear, and our citizens face diminished educational and emotional well-being.
Most importantly, the arts are essential for the healthy development of our children. Studies show that music, drama and visual arts education improve cognitive abilities, boost academic performance, create social connections, reduce stress and enhance emotional intelligence.
Beyond NEA funding, the current administration has also proposed cuts to organizations like PBS, which provide vital educational programming for children. Programs like “Sesame Street” promote early literacy, STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math), social-emotional learning, and cultural awareness for millions of young viewers.
I believe that it’s important to remember that America’s greatest breakthroughs in technology, business and culture have often come from individuals who were encouraged to think creatively and differently.
The elimination of the arts from our communities impacts every one of us and threatens the long-term success and innovation of our nation. The arts teach vital skills — to imagine new possibilities, challenge norms, collaborate across boundaries, and communicate effectively. These are the same traits that power our tech companies, drive entrepreneurs and shape our young leaders of tomorrow.
Removing federal arts support doesn’t just silence artists; it silences opportunity, stifles innovation and weakens the fabric of our communities.
Please consider taking a small but meaningful step today by contacting our state and federal representatives like state Sen. Jane M. Timken, R-Jackson Township, as well as U.S. Sens. John Husted and Bernie Moreno. We are urging them not only to support and maintain arts funding at the federal level but to increase critical funding at the state level.
Thank you for your time and your commitment to supporting the arts and working together to protect creativity, opportunity and the health of our communities.
Chris Auman is president of Sanctuary, a digital marketing company in North Canton.