Why the Arts Can't Afford to Be Canceled
Arts and cultural Institutions Are Under Threat-But We're Not Backing Down
Across the U.S., federal funding for arts and cultural institutions is being slashed. Federal grant funds earmarked for Mahogany Black Arts & Cultural Center and hundreds of other organizations across the country were abruptly cut, creating a domino effect on all aspects of our organizations.
Longstanding sources of funding to advance the arts, have been completely gutted or reduced to never before seen levels. At first glance, it may seem like just another budget cut-but it's something deeper. It's a new form of cancel culture: the cancellation of creative expression, cultural preservation, and community connection.
This moment demands a response-not just from artists, historians and cultural workers, but from all of us who believe in the power of storytelling, history, and shared experience.
The past is always with us.
Arts Institutions are built for these times. Art and culture has always been resilient. Every generation, since the beginning of civilization, has developed methods to maintain and elevate cultural heritage, communicate ideas and express ourselves through every form of the arts. Culture is connected to knowledge of self and ones ability to lifts spirits, and offer hope.
Today, institutions are doing more than surviving. They're evolving. Join us in that evolution!
Organizations and institutions are partnering with communities to tell real, relevant stories, transforming into civic spaces-centers for healing, learning, and organizing Using technology to bring the arts directly to your neighborhoods and to your devices. This Isn't Just About Funding. It's About Values. When arts funding disappears, so do opportunities to preserve heritage, highlight diverse voices, and engage in critical thinking and reflection. The message is, some stories are no longer worth telling.
We disagree.
We believe the arts must not just remain— they must thrive. Because the arts don't just reflect society. They shape it. How You Can Help:
Support your local institutions-visit, donate, volunteer, become a member Share this message with others who care. Friends, family, neighbors, work colleagues. Everyone you meaningfully come in contact with.
Advocate for funding-reach out to elected officials and tell them the arts matter Let's remind our communities-and our country-that creativity, culture, and connection can't be canceled.
Scott Terry
Executive Director