Marina
President Donald Trump’s latest budget proposal could lead to significant financial challenges for arts organizations in Lawrence and Douglas County.
His budget plan includes the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which has traditionally supported arts organizations across the country, including those in Kansas.
Impact on Lawrence Arts Center and Local Arts Programs
One major concern for the Lawrence Arts Center is the potential loss of $75,000 in NEA funding it applied for in 2026. This funding was essential for the center’s operations, particularly for the Free State Festival.
While the center has already received this funding for the current year, the uncertainty surrounding future support could affect long-term planning.
In addition to the NEA, local organizations in Douglas County may also face cuts to the $159,000 they receive from the Kansas Arts Commission, a state program partially funded by the NEA.
The Kansas Arts Commission has already delayed announcing grant awards due to uncertainty surrounding federal funding, and additional cuts may worsen the situation.
Financial Challenges for Local Organizations
While the Lawrence Arts Center largely relies on community donations, external funding from organizations like the Mid-America Arts Alliance and Kansas Arts Commission helps sustain local arts projects.
If these organizations lose their federal funding, their ability to support local arts initiatives could be compromised.
List of Funding Allocated to Douglas County Arts Programs for 2025
| Organization | Funding Amount |
|---|---|
| LMH Health Foundation | $7,736 |
| Lawrence Busker Festival | $10,000 |
| LRM Foundation | $10,000 |
| University of Kansas Center | $10,000 |
| Theatre Lawrence | $17,191 |
| Van Go | $16,593 |
| Lawrence Community Orchestra | $16,550 |
| Americana Music Academy | $16,477 |
| Lawrence Art Guild Association | $16,462 |
| Lawrence Arts Center | $16,209 |
| Lumberyard Arts Center | $16,070 |
| Fidpick | $6,000 |
These cuts are particularly concerning given the fragile recovery of local arts organizations, many of which are only now seeing attendance numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.
Theatre Lawrence Executive Director Jamie Ulmer expressed concern over how these cuts would affect the broader arts community.
Economic Impact of Arts Investment
Ulmer highlighted the broader economic benefits of investing in the arts. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts and culture sector in the U.S. contributed 4.2% of the GDP in 2023, amounting to about $1.17 trillion.
Additionally, most NEA grants require a dollar-for-dollar match, which effectively doubles the return on investment. This system not only supports the arts but also stimulates local economies through job creation, tourism, and community engagement.
The proposed cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts could deeply impact arts organizations in Lawrence and across the country, especially as they recover from the economic effects of the pandemic.
While the budget proposal is still in the early stages, the NEA has already begun to suspend grants, and arts organizations are preparing for potential future disruptions. As funding becomes more uncertain, local arts groups must continue advocating for continued support.