Written Statement of

Sandra L. Gibson
President and CEO
Association of Performing Arts Presenters

Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives

The Importance of Funding for the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

March 29, 2006

INTRODUCTION

Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the subcommittee, the Association of Performing Arts Presenters is grateful for this opportunity to submit testimony on behalf of our nearly 2000 members and more than 8,000 organizations working in the touring and presenting industry worldwide. Respectfully I urge the Committee to designate a total $170 million to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for programs that are vital to our nations economic and cultural richness.

Investment in Excellence and Community Outreach
The performing arts are a thriving element of every American community. The presenting and touring field is a vital component of community life and the NEA investment in these organizations realizes significant returns, both measurable and intangible. The NEA makes it possible for everyone to enjoy and benefit from the arts. NEA funding provides access to the arts in every congressional district including regions with a history of inaccessibility due to economic or geographical limitations. The endowment embodies the ideal that no one should be deprived of the opportunity to have the arts in their lives.

Economic Investment
The nonprofit arts industry is a vital economic engine in towns and cities across the country. Its economic impact includes $24.4 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenues (The 2002 Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts Organizations and Their Audiences). The positive return of the federal government's initial and small investment in the arts via the NEA is striking. It is difficult to name another federal program that realizes such an economic return on investment and provides the intangible benefits that only the arts make possible. The NEA continues to be a beacon for the arts organizations across the country and also acts as an important catalyst to generate additional private funding for the arts.

Educational Benefits
NEA funding also makes it possible for many non-profit arts organizations around the country to provide educational outreach programs to people of all age groups and to a diverse range of economic, geographic and cultural backgrounds. Students who participate in arts programs outperform students who do not in virtually every measure (Source Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning). Students who participate in arts activities learn how to think critically and to solve complex problems and skills – These skills will be essential to success in an emerging global economy.

Conclusion

Arts and cultural organizations are a vital component of community life that allow citizens to appreciate our nation's culture and heritage through excellent artistic programming, extensive educational and social outreach activities, and efforts to bring diverse groups together. NEA grants ensure that access to performances, exhibits and productions are a part of every American citizens life. I urge you to designate no less than $170 million to the NEA. Thank you for your consideration of our request.

Association of Performing Arts Presenters
1112 16th Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone (202) 833-2787
Fax (202) 833-1543