National Endowment for the Arts

🎨📚 Creativity meets history! In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Second Lady Usha Vance invited K–8 students nationwide to reimagine America through art—and the results are extraordinary. With winners across three grade bands, these young artists offer powerful reflections on our nation’s past, present, and future. ✨ Stay tuned as they are celebrated this summer at the Great American State Fair! https://bit.ly/4nZHc3J

We hit the road earlier this month for our National Council on the Arts meeting! NEA leadership and the National Council on the Arts visited Western North Carolina to learn more about the impact of Hurricane Helene on the arts sector as well as how the arts are aiding in ongoing recovery. Head to the blog for a full run down of our visit: https://bit.ly/4fuSFG0 📸 Photos by Andy Wickstrom, andywickstrom.com

America’s story is still being stitched.🧵 Through America’s Tapestry, a nationwide fiber arts initiative led by artist Stefan Romero, communities across the country are coming together to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary—one thread at a time. We’re proud to support Seton Hill University as an NEA grantee and key partner in this effort. Alongside institutions like College of William & Mary, volunteers nationwide are creating 13 embroidered panels—each representing an original colony and uplifting overlooked stories from the American Revolution. Together, we’re weaving a vibrant narrative of our shared history.

REMINDER: Join us in person or online for our National Council on the Arts Meeting this Wednesday in Asheville, NC! Registration link: https://bit.ly/4sDtLa8 Details: 📆 May 6, 2026 ⌚ 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET 📍 Wortham Center for the Performing Arts The council meeting will include two panel discussions about: ⭐ Federal, state, and local efforts around disaster preparation and recovery for artists and arts organization (feat. North Carolina Arts Council, ArtsAVL, and Mountain BizWorks) ⭐ Clay & Camaraderie, ceramics workshops at Veterans Healing Farm for veterans and military-connected individuals affected by the hurricane, supported by Creative Forces. LEAF Global Arts will also provide a demonstration of their artist residencies, which receive NEA support.

Congratulations to our 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Champion Jayda Dawn of Indiana! ✨ 🎙️ Jayda is the winner of the national title and a $20,000 cash prize. A big congrats to our second place winner Damien Deen (South Dakota) and third place winner Jaden Conley (Illinois). 🥳 We are so proud of all of our national finalists and grateful to everyone who watched the finals with us last night. If you missed it, the archive is available on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ese3y-GG Our press release: https://lnkd.in/ecDhrupd

In anticipation of FIFA World Cup 2026™, the NEA has awarded 11 grants to support arts projects in the U.S. cities hosting these games. ⚽ ✨ 🎨 These projects will celebrate American creativity and highlight local artistic and cultural traditions in connection with soccer-related celebrations. More info: https://bit.ly/48uGaGi 📸 : The World Is Ours by artist Risk Rock. This sculpture will be installed at Fair Park on the same platform as the iconic Big Tex and will coincide with the site’s role in hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™ team activities and Fan Fest events. Photo by Gallery DeFi

Join us for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals, streaming LIVE right now! 🎙️ ✨ 9 students will advance to tomorrow's National Finals, where they will compete for the national champion title and $20,000 grand prize. Schedule below (states listed in recitation order)! 1️⃣ Semifinal One — 9 a.m. ET VA, NJ, WV, PA, USVI, NH, RI, VT, OH, NC, SC, DE, DC, ME, MD, CT, MA 2️⃣ Semifinal Two — 1 p.m. ET WI, IN, AL, NE, GA, AR, KS, IA, LA, OK, KY, MS, MI, TN, PR, FL, MO, IL 3️⃣ Semifinal Three — 5 p.m. ET NV, ND, AZ, MT, AS, CO, MN, WY, UT, TX, SD, CA, NM, WA, GU, OR, ID, HI, AK https://lnkd.in/ezGJSZRz

Meet the National Endowment for the Arts' 2026 National Heritage Fellows, recipients of our nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts! https://lnkd.in/eNfcg3Ub

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Veterans Healing Farm in Mills River, NC, launched Clay and Camaraderie, a therapeutic pottery program supported by Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, offering a space for veterans to connect, reduce stress, and focus on the present moment. In this video, hear from Veterans Healing Farm Executive Director and Marine Corps veteran Al Yeck on how art and community are helping veterans cope with trauma. Yeck will also be joining the NEA at the National Council on the Arts Meeting in Asheville, NC, on May 6 to discuss the topic in more depth. RSVP to join us online or in-person: https://bit.ly/4sDtLa8

Join the National Endowment for the Arts for the 219th meeting of the National Council on the Arts in Asheville, NC! 📆 May 6, 2026 ⌚ 11 am ET 📍 Wortham Center for the Performing Arts This meeting will focus on the impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene on the arts sector. You will also hear how the arts can be incorporated into recovery and revitalization efforts, strengthening local economies, and supporting the health and well-being of impacted individuals. It is free and open to the public; reserve your seat on the Wortham Center’s website: https://lnkd.in/eTpdqSpb The meeting will also be available through a live webcast at arts.gov. There will also be a grants workshop prior to the NCA meeting. Learn more at arts.gov/events!