The NEA is an independent federal government agency that supports artistic excellence, creativity & innovation for the benefit of individuals & communities.The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation.

Core values

- The arts enhance civil society by increasing civic engagement, social tolerance, and other-regarding behavior among participants[1].
- Arts participation is linked to positive health outcomes, including better social and emotional support for children, improved physical and mental health for older adults, and enhanced community well-being[2].
- Arts engagement is associated with higher levels of social connectedness, reducing issues of loneliness and social isolation[4].
- The arts and cultural industries contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, accounting for 4.3% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and employing nearly 5.2 million people[3].
- Initiatives like the Our Town program integrate arts, culture, and design to strengthen communities, advance local economic, physical, or social outcomes, and promote equity[2].