Trump Administration Plans to Cut Off Gov’t Funding for Arts & Humanities
An unnamed source from Trump’s transition team told the Hill on Friday that Trump aims to cut the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for Humanities. A portion of this endowment goes to National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The NEA is an independent federal agency that has been around since 1965, helping to bring equal access to the arts in all parts of the nation. NPR and PBS are but two examples of how this is a critical blow to the nation.
Non-profits (that more than likely rely on federal grants) are instrumental in providing arts education in cities and neighborhoods that are less likely to have access. Speaking from my own experience as a student and freelance reporter covering Newark New Jersey, the Newark Printshop’s Wednesday night print clubs are but one example of education through the art of analog printing. Public schools are already having issues with arts funding. Without spaces like these, who will fill the gap?
Then there are DIY, all-ages concert venues. I emphasize all-ages because these spaces give younger kids access that is deemed exclusively for the 21 and up club if these shows were solely hosted at bars. In the wake of the Ghost Ship fire in Oakland, California, it becomes clearer that it will take cooperation among DIY organizers, policy makers, government officials and money to make DIY spaces safe while preserving DIY culture.
For this, I’m thinking about coding a responsive survey or chatbot that will help DIY organizers easily understand the steps to take to maintain safe spaces that align with policies in their cities. Without outside aggregators, perhaps more people will be open to the idea of safety without sacrificing the (totally fun) shenanigans that tend to happen at these shows. In any circumstance, I hope other cities will take Oakland’s suite and allow artist live-work situations in the midst of this affordability crisis. With collaboration, I’m confident we can all move forward together.
The coverage of Oakland’s fire was thorough but overall lacked empathy and compassion. I also plan to spend the year chronicling the people who benefit from the scene - those whose voices are typically pushed to the margins - LGBTQA, women, people of color etc. Maybe connect artists among mediums with a collaborative project...zine?!
I want to see what other problems there are here, which is critical in the approach to SOCIAL journalism. It’s more like “I’m your journalist. What do you think I should cover?” Anyway, these are just floating thoughts. I’m excited to be back at it tomorrow!
