1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am deeply disappointed that funds are being cut from the National Endowment for the Arts. To have a robust creative sector in our society, government support can make a difference to survival for groups big and small. The new mission statement for the Endowment, before it is likely eliminated once and for all, is an awkward combination of this administration’s goals that narrowly restrict what is considered art. One example is the elimination of funding for Chanticleer, an extraordinary group of 12 voices that have performed for 47 years. They travel the whole country, giving concerts and master classes, but this is not possible on donations alone, and their funding from the National Endowment for the Arts is critical to their survival. There are so many other examples all around our nation. Please fight for this funding to be available as it has been in the past and especially to be sure that this important Endowment is not eliminated from our government.