by Anna Barrett, Alabama Reflector
April 28, 2025

Alabama arts programs may face up to $1 million in cuts if the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts funds for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The Alabama Council of the Arts said earlier this month it is anticipating cuts at the federal level soon. They said that representatives from DOGE were scheduled to visit NEA offices.

“Any cuts to federal funding for state partnerships would directly impact our grant programs, reducing our available funds by up to $1 million annually,” Executive Director Elliot Knight said in a statement Wednesday.

According to the Council, the NEA makes up 15% of its budget with the rest coming from the Alabama Legislature through the Education Trust Fund (ETF). The 2026 ETF received approval from the House on Tuesday, which included an $85,000 increase from the current budget and Gov. Kay Ivey’s 2026 recommendation.

The Council awarded $14.7 million in grants over the last five years, according to the statement. Knight also said the Council uses 100% of its federal funds for grants.

“Public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that ensures all Alabamians have access to arts programming,” Knight said.

The federal cuts would have to be approved by Congress.

“Please help us make sure that all members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation understand how Alabama workers and communities will be negatively impacted by the cuts to NEH and IMLS grants and potential cuts to NEA grants,” Knight said.

According to the statement, Poetry Out Loud is one program funded with federal dollars. The national arts education program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition. Knight said this is one of the programs that would be impacted by NEA cuts.

“The arts are more than just an expression of beauty; they are a driver of innovation, contributing to Alabama’s economic growth and global competitiveness,” he said.

Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.

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Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This content leans center-left as it emphasizes concerns about potential federal budget cuts to arts funding, highlighting the negative impact such cuts could have on community programs and economic growth. It presents the arts as valuable public investments and calls for action to protect funding, a stance commonly associated with progressive or liberal advocacy for government support of cultural and educational programs. However, it remains fairly neutral in tone without overt political rhetoric or partisan criticism, placing it closer to a moderate progressive viewpoint.