Advocate For The Arts
The FY26 federal budget request released by the White House on May 2 (pg. 40) called for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other cultural agencies with some NEA grantees in Kentucky receiving notifications that their awards had been terminated or withdrawn from consideration.
Additionally, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1), which has passed the House in a 215-214 vote and will be considered by the Senate with a final passage reportedly expected for July 4, increases taxes on foundations and nonprofits and disincentivizes charitable giving. By diverting scarce resources away from nonprofits and their missions, the bill will harm those of us who rely on the services provided by nonprofits in our communities.
Now, that’s a lot, here’s the breakdown and how you can help…
How Funding Flows
The National Endowment for the Arts is funded by federal tax dollars allocated by the United States Congress every fiscal year. The NEA in turn allocates funds through grants for which state arts agencies and arts organizations must apply and be approved through a rigorous adjudication process.
The Kentucky Arts Council is one of these state agencies receiving $968,000 from the NEA in FY26, making up 36% of the KAC budget. The other 64% is matched by state tax dollars allocated by the Kentucky General Assembly which has been on the decline since 2001.
Finally, Institute 193 receives its funding from a combination of sources including the KAC, LEXARTS, LFUCG, and more. Institute 193, in turn, allocates funds to individual artists and arts organizations throughout Lexington and Fayette County.
Okay, you got the basics, here's how you can be an advocate.
Local
Institute 193 along with The Living Arts & Science Center, The Lexington Philharmonic, Lexington Children’s Theatre, and Bluegrass Youth Ballet have come together as a united coalition to advocate for the continued and increased support of the arts at the local and state level.
Institute 193, as well as every one of these organizations, receive general operating support funds from the Kentucky Arts Council. These funds are vital and literally keep the lights on.