report coverThe Issue: Funds for National Service in the Arts

Congress acknowledged the important role of the arts in national service programs when it passed the Serve America Act in 2009. Under the legislation’s newly formed Education Corps, the placement of skilled artists in the community became eligible for funding. This act reflects a broader connection between the arts and civic duty, as evidenced by the 1.6 million Americans who volunteer for arts and culture organizations.

However, using the arts as a strategy for addressing critical community issues was not included as an area of focus or even referenced in the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS)'s five-year plan (2011-2015). Annual funds to CNCS are provided through the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill.

Support for the arts through a dedicated Artist Corps—as well as continued inclusion of the arts in all national service programs and national days of service—would provide an opportunity for creative skills to be utilized in engaging with communities across the country. Including the arts in national service projects would also provide much-needed economic revitalization for artists, many of whom became unemployed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Americans for the Arts supports efforts that enable artists and arts organizations to lead and participate in national service programs and supports the increased visibility of the role of the arts in making communities healthier and more vibrant.

Corporation for National and Community Service logoFocus Forward Towards Solutions

  1. Find more details in the National Service and the Arts Statement of Concern in the Congressional Arts Handbook.
  2. Key Senate and House Committees for CNCS funding.