Looking out from behind a band at the large street festival audience

Impact

The National Endowment for the Arts has a tremendous impact on the arts and culture of the United States. Since its start in 1965, the agency has awarded more than $5.5 billion to bring the arts to communities across this land. Below you can find some specific areas where the agency has had a large impact, or find your state and see highlights from the artworks we have supported there. 

Research

Research on the arts and its impact on and value to American communities.

Arts and Health

Improving health and well-being through the arts. 

Accessibility

Making the arts accessible for all populations.

Creative Placemaking

Strengthening communities with arts at the core.

Literary Arts

Celebrating the literary arts as an essential reflection of our nation.

Media Arts

Supporting the dynamic, diverse, and evolving nature of the media arts field.

Arts Education

Ensuring every student has the opportunity for arts education.

Native Arts and Culture

Carrying out strategic outreach to Native communities and artists. 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Partnering with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to further our outreach.

Equity Action Plan

Supporting equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice.

Convenings

Providing national leadership through convenings on the arts. 

Arts & Artifacts Indemnity Program

Indemnifying against loss or damage for eligible artworks and artifacts.