NEA

The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation.

National Initiatives

The NEA works with other federal agencies, state and local governments, state and regional arts agencies, and private nonprofits on national initiatives. Below are some featured initiatives.

CREATIVE FORCES »
POETRY OUT LOUD »
NEA BIG READ »
MUSICAL THEATER SONGWRITING CHALLENGE »

NEA Arts Magazine

Classical Indian dancers perform on the cover of NEA Arts magazine

Expanding the Reach of the Arts

What people know about the National Endowment for the Arts—if they know about the agency at all—is that the agency awards grants to support arts activities throughout the nation. And...

Podcasts

headshots of two men.

Sam Pressler and Brian Jenkins

Founding Director and current Executive Director of Armed Services Arts Partnership

Building community and bridging divides through art

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50th HIGHLIGHTS

United States of Arts
People from across the country share their stories about how the arts are important to them.

Milestones
Videos highlighting some of the important artists and organizations that the NEA has supported over the years, and the impact they have made on U.S. culture.

NEA Timeline
Highlights from the history of the NEA.