ArtsWestchester launched a crowdfunding campaign on May 15 in response to $285,000 in federal grant terminations affecting several of the organization’s initiatives.
The recent termination of three National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants is part of the federal government’s effort to redirect spending to priorities favored by President Donald Trump. The canceled NEA grants are in addition to previously terminated grants by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
“We are deeply disappointed by these decisions, which impair our ability to deliver important cultural events and related educational programs to the residents of Westchester County. These cuts also affect the Westchester arts sector’s ability to generate $183 million in annual economic activity,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. “We urge individuals, businesses, and foundations to step forward and help us fill this unexpected funding gap, which could worsen with the proposed elimination of the NEA.”
The grant terminations will most immediately impact ArtsWestchester’s fall exhibition and its related public programming. “Meltdown,” scheduled to run from October 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, is a timely and critical exploration of climate change through the powerful lens of art. The Trump administration has removed references to climate change on government websites.
ArtsWestchester is calling on community members to:
- Contact their federal elected officials to express their concern about the termination of NEA grants and the importance of federal funding for the arts.
- Consider donating to ArtsWestchester’s Fill-the-Gap campaign to help bridge the unexpected funding deficit and ensure the success of exhibitions like “Meltdown” and its related programming. Donations can be made online or by contacting Development Director Ruth Zamoyta at 914-428-4220 or development@artswestchester.org.
ArtsWestchester is one of many arts organizations affected by federal grant terminations. As of today, ArtsWestchester has tallied about $1.7 million in IMLS and NEH federal grant terminations to local arts groups. It is currently surveying groups related to news of this month’s NEA cuts.
The NEA has been a leading funder of ArtsWestchester, contributing over $525,000 since 2014 in matching grants for contemporary visual art exhibitions, folk art programs, public art initiatives, performances, and an artist subgrant program. NEA grants allowed ArtsWestchester to provide honoraria and commissions to over 170 artists, supporting creative workers in developing new work and reaching new audiences.
