Artists Protest New NEA Restrictions

Hundreds of artists have signed a letter urging the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to reverse recent policy changes stemming from executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. The changes require grant applicants to avoid diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that could be seen as violating federal anti-discrimination laws and prohibit funding for programs promoting “gender ideology.”

Led by playwrights Lynn Nottage and Paula Vogel, among others, the protest letter condemns these policies as an attack on artistic freedom. The NEA, in response, stated that it must comply with executive orders as a federal agency.

The controversy comes amid a broader wave of arts-related protests, including demonstrations outside the Kennedy Center following Trump’s appointment as chair. Protesters argue that these restrictions undermine free expression and limit support for marginalized artists. Advocates warn that the fight is far from over, vowing to continue resisting policies they see as threats to the inclusivity and integrity of the arts.

Source: NPR