New York City artists are increasingly cautious about creating work that addresses themes of race, immigration, and gender identity. This shift comes in response to concerns over federal funding cuts that could penalize politically sensitive topics. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the largest public arts funder in the United States, has faced significant changes under the previous administration, leading to fears among artists and advocates about potential repercussions.
In the last fiscal year, the NEA awarded $8.5 million to 326 organizations in New York City. However, the chilling effect of funding cuts is already felt within the artistic community. “There are concerns about telling stories or identifying yourself or putting yourself out there,” said Lisa Gold, executive director of the Asian American Arts Alliance. Many artists have expressed anxiety about self-identifying as immigrants or exploring sensitive topics in their work.
In addition to funding cuts, recent actions by the NEA have intensified these concerns. Earlier this year, the National Park Service removed transgender pride flags from a display at the Stonewall National Monument and erased references to transgender and queer individuals from the site’s official webpage. Although a court blocked directives against funding that was perceived as promoting “gender ideology,” the NEA ultimately faced reduced funding from the federal government.
Some artists have taken drastic measures to protect themselves. Gold reported that individuals have requested their biographies be removed from the Asian American Arts Alliance website due to fears of doxxing or harassment. “It feels like it’s being condoned by the very highest levels of our government,” Gold added, emphasizing the widespread anxiety within the artistic community.
Concerns about immigration status are also impacting collaborations within the arts. Playwright and founder of Engage Playwright’s Lab, Craig Perkins, noted that nine actors declined to work with him due to fears of jeopardizing their immigration status. “I’ve had nine actors tell me, ‘I’m scared to do these plays because I might get my student visa revoked,’” Perkins said, highlighting how the current environment is affecting creative expression.
Local arts projects are not immune to these funding cuts. The NEA withdrew support from a Staten Island exhibit at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, which focused on colonialism and Indigenous communities. Jessica Baker Vodoor, the center’s president and CEO, described the funding withdrawal as a significant setback, stating, “It’s really challenging to receive a letter from the federal government that says that your work doesn’t align with the priorities of the United States government.”
Despite challenges at the federal level, New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs continues to support the arts. In February, the agency allocated $59.3 million to 1,078 organizations through the Cultural Development Fund. The department maintains guidelines intended to uphold artistic independence and inclusion, allowing many groups to continue their work.
City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who chairs the Council’s cultural affairs committee, noted that some organizations refrained from participating in recent hearings on censorship due to fears about funding implications. Bottcher is advocating for increased city funding in the next budget to counteract federal losses, emphasizing the critical role that arts organizations play in the city’s economy. “Allowing them to fail is out of the question,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has formed an arts and culture committee as part of his transition team, which includes key figures such as Bronx Hip Hop Museum founder Rocky Bucano and MoMA PS1 chief curator Ruba Katrib. This committee could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of arts policy in the city.
As artists navigate these turbulent waters, the impact of funding cuts and political pressures continues to shape the creative landscape in New York City. The ongoing dialogue about censorship and artistic freedom remains crucial as the community seeks to uphold its diverse voices and stories.