Dance/USA Statement on Arts Advocacy Day 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2017

Urge Congress to Support the Arts

Today is Arts Advocacy Day 2017, and once again, Dance/USA is a proud National Partner. Each year, Dance/USA joins dozens of national arts service organizations to revise and update the national policy briefs.

This year, approximately 650 advocates from across the nation are visiting D.C. to talk to Congress about the issues impacting artists, arts organizations and the communities they serve. In fact, this year’s slate of issues includes 18 different policy briefs that range from support for the National Endowment for the Arts and arts in education, to preserving the charitable deduction and the impact of the arts on healing.

Not in D.C.? Not a problem! You can add your voice to the millions advocating across the country by sending a letter to your congressional representatives. Dance/USA continues to represent the field daily in Washington, D.C., meeting regularly with congressional offices, working with national coalitions on a range of issues and providing opportunities for grassroots advocacy.

Key Policy Issues

Support the NEA: Last week, President Trump released a non-binding budget resolution that included the elimination of 19 federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts. Congress must still propose and pass their own budget legislation, which means there’s time to build and strengthen relationships with lawmakers and urge them to save the NEA and fund the agency at $155 million for fiscal year 2018.
Tax Reform: Congress is eager to tackle tax reform in 2017. There have been proposals from both sides of the aisle that would limit giving to charitable communities. The nonprofit sector is urging Congress to preserve the full scope and value of the tax deduction for all charitable gifts.
Visa Policy: With ongoing delays in the processing of visas for foreign guest artists, Dance/USA continues to advocate to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to reduce the processing times. Advocates also urge Congress to enact the ARTS Require Timely Service (ARTS) provision, which would support increased efficiency.

ACT NOW!

To learn more about these and other issues, visit Dance/USA’s advocacy page. And please take a minute to join arts advocates from across the U.S. in urging Congress to support policies and legislation that impact the arts sector.

About Dance/USA
We believe that dance is essential to a healthy society, demonstrating the infinite possibilities for human expression and potential, and facilitating communication within and across cultures. We are committed to honoring, nurturing and advancing dance through the lens of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in all aspects of our programming, services and organization.

Dance/USA is the national service organization for the professional dance field. Established in 1982, Dance/USA sustains and advances professional dance by addressing the needs, concerns, and interests of artists, administrators, and organizations. By providing national leadership and services, Dance/USA enhances the infrastructure for dance creation and distribution, education, and dissemination of information. Learn more about Dance/USA by visiting our website, www.danceusa.org.