1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

As a Utah voter I respectfully request that you work to protect the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Although the NEA has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades, I understand there are efforts to not only redirect funding away from current and previously funded programing,  but also to defund the NEA entirely. As you know, Utah has been a leader in embracing the importance of art and culture throughout its communities. In southern Utah where I vote, we have consistently supported public accessibility to visual and performing arts, art festivals and recreation. The NEA and its partners play a vital role in allowing your constituents to enjoy thriving communities and the economic benefits they provide. Art is not a luxury. It is the mirror of our communities and one of  the purest expressions of freedom we have. It tells the stories that don’t make headlines. It challenges, heals, and connects. And in small communities like ours in southern Utah, it is absolutely essential. As well, art is not waste, of fraud. NEA’s support of the arts provides value and education to our community. Politics has no place in deciding what is presented to the community. We cannot afford to let art and culture disappear. Without broad access to the arts, the stages, the canvases and voices that help define who we are—all will begin to go silent.  Don’t let this happen on your watch. Please fully fund and support the National Endowment for The Arts free from political interference.