The proposed budget from the Trump Administration eliminates funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Humanities and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Tulsa Arts and Humanities Director Holly Becker says art cuts will have a ripple effect, because those funds are often matched by philanthropic or corporate organizations.
Becker says "The National Endowment for the Arts supports Tulsa and other communities economically by putting people to work. 2.9 million people nationwide are employed by the arts industry.? Funding from these agencies is distributed to every congressional district in America. Many rural communities would otherwise not have the capacity to engage in programs and festivals that directly boost their local economy and quality of life.?"
Becker says programs supported by these agencies provide free and low-cost access to educational programs that reach Oklahomans of all races, ages, identities, and economic status.