International Artist Visas
Orchestras in communities of all sizes frequently engage international guest artists. In the wake of COVID-19, policy solutions are needed as arts organizations and global artists pivot to reschedule planned performances.
Workforce Relief, Charitable Giving Incentives, and NEA Funding Included in Third COVID-19 Relief Package
The largest COVID-19 federal relief package yet is expected to be signed into law tomorrow, March 27, 2020, and includes new forms of support that can be accessed by arts organizations and self-employed individuals. The League of American Orchestras has been a leading voice as orchestras join advocates in the arts and nonprofit sectors nationwide seeking federal relief that will protect their substantial workforce and safeguard their essential service to communities in the wake of unprecedented closures and event cancellations.
Federal budget repeats recent history, proposing elimination of NEA
With bipartisan support from Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) received an increase for fiscal year 2020 for a total funding level of $162.25 million, while the Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) program fund at the U.S. Department of Education actually received a $1 million increase for a total funding level of $30 million.
Did your orchestra pay taxes on transportation benefits? Refunds now available!
The 21% Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on parking and commuting benefits that was created by comprehensive tax reform signed into law in December 2017 has now been retroactively repealed.
Reminder! IRA Rollover is a key giving incentive
Many orchestras have received significant new contributions since the IRA Charitable Rollover provision was made permanent in 2015, allowing individuals age 70-1/2 and older to make direct, tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 per year (up to $200,000 for married couples) from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to qualified charities.
Tap into League visa services amidst a wave of changing rules for guest artists
The League provides specialized assistance in navigating the complex visa requirements for guest artists.
Assessment Board Announces Plan to Eliminate Nation’s Arts Report Card
In late July, the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) announced its intention to narrow the breadth of subjects assessed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), eliminating the next Nation’s Arts Report Card, the only nationally-reported measurement of what students know and are able to do in the arts.
Federal funding: your summer homework with elected officials
Given that this is an election year, the House and Senate are taking a long summer recess, which makes the prospects uncertain for the federal budget to be completed. Bills that are of importance to the orchestra community are on the move, and here is the latest on where things stand for…
Cultural Diplomacy Opportunity: Musicians May Apply Now
Orchestra musicians interested in participating in international cultural diplomacy should take note of two application deadlines at the U.S. Department of State. The 2016-2017 season of American Music Abroad is currently accepting applications until January 24, 2016.
Electronic Media Policy Update
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may soon rule on several proceedings that will impact the use of wireless microphones. The FCC is proposing that entities using fewer than 50 microphones would not be able to register in a geo-location database which provides interference protection.