Dear Arts Advocate, We’re writing with an important update on both the federal and state budgets and what these agreements mean for our region’s creative economy. At the Cultural Alliance, our advocacy remains urgent and unwavering—we’re monitoring federal and state actions closely and keeping you informed every step of the way. PENNSYLVANIA STATE BUDGET After a 135-day impasse, the Pennsylvania State Budget passed on Wednesday, November 12. Here’s what it means for arts, culture, and humanities in Pennsylvania: Governor Shapiro signed into law a $50.1 billion budget, a 4.7% increase over the previous year, that not only provides critical funding for services and programs within the Commonwealth but pushes forward elements that affect the arts, culture, and humanities sector. A well-orchestrated statewide advocacy campaign helped prompt lawmakers to include the following agreements in this year's State Budget: -
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) were both granted nominal operational increases. -
PHMC’s Grants to Museums line item was restored to $4 million, from the $2 million originally proposed. -
PCA’s Grants to the Arts line item remained flat-funded at $9,059,000. -
The Commonwealth is investing $50 million towards the Semiquincentennial and major sporting events driving tourism next year. Of that sum, $40 million is available for promotion and marketing; infrastructure and programs; and safety and security surrounding America’s 250th birthday and other major events in 2026. The Cultural Alliance will share more details about this funding opportunity when the Commonwealth makes the information available. -
America 250PA received a $2.5 million appropriation. The Cultural Alliance remains steadfast in our commitment to secure meaningful policy changes and investments that uplift Southeastern Pennsylvania's creative community. The FY26 State Budget reflects our consistent efforts to mobilize our regional cultural community and collaborate with statewide partners to gain robust funding for the arts and humanities. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN After 43 days, the longest federal government shutdown in the nation’s history has officially ended. President Trump signed a funding bill on Wednesday, November 12, which provides federal funding for government operations and allows government agencies to re-open. The legislation did not include an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies. Many independent artists, creative entrepreneurs, and other members of our creative sector depend upon ACA to access affordable healthcare services. The urgent need for a healthcare subsidy provision requires continued vigilance from the arts and culture community. Actions determining funding for National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other sources of arts-related funding are anticipated in the coming weeks as Continuing Resolutions are considered by the House and Senate. However, with the government now back open and the return of furloughed federal employees, we hope these agencies will quickly resume operations and the administrative backlog will be abated. The Cultural Alliance will continue to closely monitor both state and federal legislation that impacts arts and culture funding. We are keenly aware that as we look ahead to the 2026 mid-term elections, we must remain focused on elevating the essential contributions of our region’s creative sector and ensuring it receives the recognition and investment it deserves. As the landscape continues to evolve, you can depend on us to share timely and relevant updates to our region’s creative sector. | 
