Looking out from behind a band at the large street festival audience

Impact

The National Endowment for the Arts has a tremendous impact on the arts and culture of the United States. Since its start in 1965, the agency has awarded more than $5.5 billion to bring the arts to communities across this land. Below you can find some specific areas where the agency has had a large impact, or find your state and see highlights from the artworks we have supported there. 

Find the Arts Endowment Impact in Your State!

The National Endowment for the Arts supports arts organizations and artists in every Congressional district in the country. From grants to community arts organizations to honorific awards in jazz and the folk and traditional arts to fellowships for creative writers and translators, the Arts Endowment has an impact in every state and territory.
Find your state
Men and women in white outfits on stage dancing to percussion from drummers at the edge of the stage
cover of Why We Engage

Research

Research on the arts and its impact on and value to American communities.

Aerial view of a multicoled plaza in an urban setting

Creative Placemaking

Transforming communities using the arts at the core.

seven women signing a scene in the play Spring Awakening

Accessibility

Making the arts accessible for all populations.

A woman sits behind a desk signing books with a crowd of people around her.

Literary Arts

Celebrating the literary arts as an essential reflection of our nation.

Young girl working on a painting under the guidance of her teacher

Arts Education

Ensuring every student has the opportunity for arts education.

Close up of a group of college age african american students posing for a group picture

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Partnering with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to further our outreach.

Two women in native american traditional dress on a stage, one holding a U.S. flag and the other holding a tribal flag

Native Arts and Culture

Carrying out strategic outreach to Native communities and artists. 

Cubist multi-colored representation of a speeding train

Arts & Artifacts Indemnity Program

Indemnifying against loss or damage for eligible artworks and artifacts.

Table of conference attendees brainstorming

Convenings

Providing national leadership though convenings on the arts.