Following the news in a recent Weekly Web Roundup about new NEA grant programs funded by the American Rescue Plan, we’re pleased this week to offer the chance to re-watch two recent webinars about these grants and how arts organizations and local arts agencies can apply for relief funds. And in more good news for the NEA, Congress continues to advance funding recommendations that would become the largest increases in the history of both federal cultural agencies. The arts received a further boost on Capitol Hill as two amendments that would have killed a provision for returning federal funding to art in transit projects failed on the House floor.

Also this week: read a thoughtful reflection by Leah Harris on her journey through the Arts & Culture Leaders of Color Fellowship and her arts administration career; tune in for the latest DIALogues professional development webinar; read about a fellow member’s return to his hometown to lead a new organization; and join us in celebrating this year’s county awardee for public leadership in the arts.

ARTSblog

The Journey is the Thing by Leah Harris
As I reflect on my journey as an Arts & Culture Leaders of Color Fellow with Americans for the Arts, this space that I initially thought would be pure refuge from my (at the time) predominantly white working environment ended up being so much more. It was affirming, challenging, and, at times, liberating. I felt seen and inspired by my cohort of fellows.

News Room

Arts Leader Jeremy Johnson Takes the Helm at Assembly for the Arts in Cleveland
Americans for the Arts member Jeremy Johnson has recently returned to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio to serve as the first president and CEO of the Assembly for the Arts. A newly formed nonprofit and advocacy organization, Assembly for the Arts will work to elevate Greater Cleveland’s creative industry.

Increased Funding For National Arts and Culture Agencies Passes Full U.S. House Appropriations Committee
On July 1, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee voted to accept the Interior Subcommittee’s fiscal year (FY) 2022 funding bill, granting Biden Administration’s funding request of $201 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The bill also includes $201 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to keep the agencies funded in tandem.

U.S. House Passes STAR Act Provision Within Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill
After amendments to strike the provision failed to pass the House, the STAR Act aims to reverse a 2015 prohibition on using Federal Transit Administration funds for art in transit, and give local transit authorities the opportunity to reap the numerous benefits of art in transit—encouraging ridership, improving customer experience, deterring vandalism, and more.

Mercer County Commissioner Greg Puckett to Receive Public Leadership in the Arts Award for County Arts Leadership
Commissioner Puckett is known throughout Mercer County, West Virginia for his steadfast dedication to the arts, community development, and prevention efforts. As an avid proponent for the creative sector Puckett understands not only the economic and community values of the arts, but also their health and safety benefits.

ArtsU

Applying for the new NEA American Rescue Plan Grant Program for Local Arts Agencies to Subgrant
This informational webinar with NEA staff and Arts Action Fund Executive Director Nina Ozlu Tunceli is designed for local arts agenices to learn about the ARP Grants to Local Arts Agencies for Subgranting program and how to apply by July 22, 2021. Register for free to watch on demand now.

Applying for the new NEA American Rescue Plan Direct Grant Program for Arts and Culture Organizations
This informational webinar with NEA staff and Arts Action Fund Executive Director Nina Ozlu Tunceli is designed for arts & culture groups to learn about the ARP Grants to Organizations program and how to apply by August 12, 2021. Register for free to watch on demand now.

DIALogues | Cover Letters, Resumes, and More!
Tune in to this practical webinar for early arts professionals on how to tailor resumes and other professional writing for your current career goals and through the lens of arts management. This session is part of the DIALogues Professional Development Collection designed to support college students and emerging leaders underrepresented in arts leadership. Learn more and register for the full collection here.