Latest Arts Policy Updates from D.C.

January 30, 2025

In This Issue

• New Administration, Executive Actions, and Impact on the Arts
• Playing Your Part: League Webinar on Advocacy in 2025
• Tax Reform Discussions Underway
• Reminder: New Form for International Guest Artist Visa Petitions

New Administration, Executive Actions, and Impact on the Arts

Executive actions by the White House are facing legal challenges as governmental agencies determine how to implement new requirements and restrictions on federal activity. To help track the rapidly-developing new executive orders, the League’s partners at the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) have created the following chart, which is being updated with overviews of each executive order and related action:

• NCN Chart of Executive Orders and Related Actions 

A January 27 White House memo called for a pause in federal funding while agencies begin to implement the executive orders. This memo applied to a wide range of governmental programs and agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and has since been revoked following court action. While the freeze on governmental funding is now lifted, agencies government-wide are still required to take action to change procedures in line with the new limitations of the numerous executive orders.

Next Steps for Grantees and Advocates

At this time, federal agency staff are receiving new information from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to guide any impact on existing grants and the implementation of new grant guidelines and awards. The NEA will provide more information as it becomes available and has meanwhile shared the following statement:

“The National Endowment for the Arts continues to review the recent executive orders and related documents to ensure compliance and provide the required reporting.”

The NEA receives bipartisan support in Congress, and federal funds to states, localities, and direct grantees reach across the United States. Congress is currently considering funding decisions as the current appropriations agreement expires on March 15. It is more important than ever that orchestras continue speaking up to Congress about the value of NEA funding to your organization and your broader community:

• Contact Congress in Support of Federal Arts Funding 

There are many outstanding questions about how these executive actions will impact federally-funded efforts across a range of activity that connects to the arts and nonprofit sectors, and events continue to rapidly unfold. The League will keep you posted on all further developments and will be sharing updates and links to any new NEA guidance on our NEA funding resource page.

Playing Your Part: League Webinar on Advocacy in 2025

A new year, new administration, and new session of Congress calls for increased advocacy on the full range of policy issues. Join the League for a free member webinar on Tuesday, February 25, to learn about key policy priorities, how to engage policymakers year-round, and pick up some tips from experts and orchestra peers well-practiced in speaking up for the arts.

Tax Reform Discussions Underway

Bipartisan leaders in Congress have introduced two tax provisions long supported by the League and our partners, as policymakers rapidly consider comprehensive tax reform proposals. Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) reintroduced The Charitable Act (S.317), to provide a charitable deduction for gifts by taxpayers who do not itemize their returns, which is proven to increase giving. The House counterpart, H.R. 801, has been introduced by Blake Moore (R-UT) joined by Carol Miller (R-WV), Danny Davis (D-IL), and Chris Pappas (D-NH). The Performing Arts Tax Parity Act has been reintroduced by Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Judy Chu (D-CA), which would update the salary threshold for the Qualified Performing Artist Tax Deduction and support essential work-related expenses. The League will be keeping orchestras informed of the major components of broader tax policy proposals, which could pose new challenges to nonprofits as Congress seeks to offset the cost of the overall tax package. Orchestras will continue to join the wider nonprofit sector in speaking up to Congress in the coming weeks and months.

Reminder: New Form for International Guest Artist Visa Petitions

The League continues to monitor and advocate for policy changes to the artist visa process, and meanwhile offers this important reminder: Anyone who files a visa petition for an international guest artist should note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a new edition of Form I-129 that went into effect beginning January 17, 2025, with no grace period. The edition date can be found in the lower left corner of each page and it is always best practice to download the newest version of Form I-129 from the USCIS website whenever preparing a new visa petition. Updated guidance and sample petitions have been uploaded to the League’s Artists from Abroad website.