MACT

February 2026

AFTA CEO Erin Harkey and NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter address U.S. Conference of Mayors on arts as democratic infrastructure

On January 30, 2026, Erin Harkey and Chairman Carter took the stage at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. It was a gathering where mayors discussed roads, public safety, and economic development—and the arts were at the table.

Why It Matters:

• Arts and culture representation at the highest decision-making level matters.
• The arts are one of the last areas of genuine bipartisan consensus. Recent votes proved it with overwhelming support (House: 397-28, Senate: 82-15), protecting $207 million each for the NEA and NEH.
• The message to mayors: the arts strengthen the foundations of our democracy through free expression, shared culture, and civic participation. They contribute $1.2 trillion annually and support 5.4 million jobs. This platform positions arts funding as essential civic infrastructure—not optional.

What This Means:

The FY27 appropriations process is underway. The President’s budget drops after the State of the Union on February 26th.

When advocating locally, use this framing: “We invest in the arts the same way we invest in roads and parks.”

Social Prescribing: “The Arts Are Already in Your Community”

At the U.S. Conference of Mayors, AFTA’s Vice President of Research Randy Cohen addressed one of the biggest challenges facing cities: rising mental health needs and what the U.S. Surgeon General has called an epidemic of loneliness.

Social prescribing is a healthcare model in which clinicians connect patients to community-based activities—like singing in a choir, taking a ceramics class, or attending performances—to improve health and well-being.

The research is compelling. Studies during the pandemic found that just 30 minutes a day of arts engagement was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher rates of life satisfaction. And 75% of Americans say if their doctor prescribed arts participation to improve their health, they would do it.

“This isn’t about building something new. It’s about connecting what already exists in our communities. Mayors can use the convening power of City Hall to align arts, health, and community partners around a shared public health goal.”
— Randy Cohen

Appropriations Advocacy Webinar Feb 26 at 3PM EST 

Learn how to advocate for federal arts funding in the FY27 appropriations process in our next federal advocacy webinar.

We will delve deep on how to make your voice heard through appropriations portals and other advocacy vehicles. Register

Leaders Honored for Championing Arts as Civic Priority

Americans for the Arts and the U.S. Conference of Mayors presented the 2026 Public Leadership in the Arts Awards on January 30, 2026, recognizing Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, and Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill.

Governor Whitmer defended Michigan’s state arts funding when elimination was proposed, preserving $13.4 million. Mayor Keller built Albuquerque’s creative economy into $1.75 billion in annual impact. Mayor Tannehill integrated arts across all Oxford city operations, proving smaller cities can leverage culture for growth.

“These three leaders understand something fundamental: the arts aren’t a luxury. They’re essential to a healthy democracy and thriving communities,” said AFTA CEO Erin Harkey. “Their leadership is a model for what’s possible when elected officials treat the arts as a civic priority.”

Action Items & Resources

Mike McDonald Nominated as NEH Chair

President Trump has nominated Mike McDonald, currently serving as Acting Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to serve as permanent Chair. Read More

Kennedy Center Announces Two-Year Closure for Renovations

President Trump announced plans to close the Kennedy Center for two years starting July 2026 for construction. The decision follows recent leadership changes and a wave of performance cancellations by leading artists. Read More

Congress Passes Labor-HHS-Education Bill with Arts Education Funding Intact

Congress has passed the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill with level funding for well-rounded education programs and the Assistance for Arts Education program. With the Homeland Security appropriations bill still under debate, Congress will now shift focus to Fiscal Year 2027. Read More

Social Prescribing in Action

Cities are already making this work. Newark’s NJPAC partners with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to prescribe arts experiences. Massachusetts ran a statewide pilot with 20 health systems. San Diego County integrates arts prescribing through community medical centers.

The ROI: In Canada, every $1 invested saves $4.43 in government and healthcare costs.

Want to explore social prescribing in your community? Learn More