DALLAS — The recent cuts to funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have left local arts organizations in Dallas and across North Texas grappling with uncertainty.
Nonprofit entities, including the publishing house Deep Vellum, are feeling the financial impact of the NEA’s decision to reduce grants.
Will Evans, the founder of Deep Vellum, reported that the organization lost approximately $20,000, crucial funds intended to support printing costs and to compensate authors for a selection of their published titles.
Upon receiving the notification via email, Evans expressed that he was surprised but not shocked by the announcement.
The email conveyed the cuts in a confusing manner, leaving many like Evans without a clear path for addressing the sudden loss of funding.
In an effort to communicate with the community, he took to his blog, penning a post titled “The NEA defunded us. Now what?”
In this message, Evans shared the content of the NEA’s email and reiterated Deep Vellum’s commitment to publishing works of artistic and social significance.
He also encouraged the community to find ways to support Deep Vellum during this challenging time.
Evans stated, “How can we use this moment to put forth the value proposition to the public to say that, if you do care about bringing this kind of literary or storytelling to the public, are you OK with the NEA cutting our funding or do you wanna step up?”
His sentiments resonate widely, as numerous arts organizations throughout the region have also experienced similar funding reductions.
Joanna St. Angelo, who leads the Dallas Area Cultural Arts Advocacy Organization, noted that over 11 local nonprofits are navigating this period of uncertainty as well.
St. Angelo emphasized the collective aim among arts leaders to adapt and respond to these funding changes, indicating that many organizations are scrutinizing their budgets and exploring local and statewide fundraising opportunities.
In response to the cuts, Evans reported a swing in community support, observing an uptick in online sales and approximately 200 new monthly donors since making the issue public.
This outpouring of assistance reflects a community willing to invest in the arts despite the challenges.
Evans expressed optimism, stating, “So we’re just trying to use this moment to reclaim the narrative to say: This is the work and this is the focus, like can we make the world a better place with the work that we do? Yes, but we need you to join to be a part of that.”
Nevertheless, uncertainty looms over the future of the NEA itself, as the agency has undergone significant staffing reductions—between 70 and 80%—in conjunction with funding cuts instituted by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is recognized as the largest supporter of the arts and arts education in communities across the nation.
St. Angelo reflected on the loss faced by NEA staff members, commending their dedication and hard work before their abrupt job eliminations.
Local advocates, including St. Angelo, responded by successfully campaigning to augment the grant program managed by the Texas Commission on the Arts, ensuring continued support for arts organizations statewide.
Though Evans remains hopeful about the future and the possibility of applying for additional NEA funding, he has adjusted his expectations realistically.
Instead, he aims to enhance Deep Vellum’s promotional strategies and continue to foster community support for their projects moving forward.
“We’re always seeking, always going, and trying to find a way to be efficient and to do the best work possible with the resources that we have,” he conveyed.
In highlighting the vital role the reading community plays in their success, Evans concluded, “We believe everyone is a reader and everyone is a vital part of what we do. That’s a pretty radical proposition that we hope to be even better at fulfilling as we continue to go forward.”
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