Congress is returning from the August recess and the first order of business will be federal funding. Both the House and Senate FY’26 Interior Appropriations bills could move to the floors of their chambers this month. These bills include funding for the NEA, NEH, and other cultural agencies, but many expect floor amendments that could propose cutting or even eliminating this funding.
The NEA and NEH support programs in all 50 states, strengthening schools, local economies, and access to the arts. Cuts or rescissions don’t just affect agencies in Washington—they reduce resources for organizations and artists on the ground.
That’s why it’s critical to be prepared. When amendments appear, Americans for the Arts Action Fund will send you advocacy alerts so you can contact your Representatives and Senators and urge them to Vote NO on harmful cuts. In addition to advocacy alerts that help you stay engaged, Americans for the Arts Action Fund also offers tools like the Federal Arts Appropriations Funding Chart to keep you informed. Learn more about getting involved.
WomensActivism.NYC is an open digital archive of inspiring women’s stories – from well-known historical figures to everyday, extraordinary women who have personally impacted our lives. These stories will be permanently preserved in the Municipal Archives and made available for future generations. WomensActivism.NYC is only 300 stories away from their goal of 10,000 stories and you can help! NYWIFT members are invited to share stories of the women they most admire: family, friends, colleagues, community leaders; women whose stories have seldom been told. Learn more about the project here.
NYWIFT members are invited to participate in a survey that aims to understand the challenges and needs of filmmakers and creatives, with a special focus on legal aspects. This survey is part of an American University student project dedicated to gaining insights directly from industry professionals. As a token of appreciation, all participants will be entered into a drawing to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card and all responses will be kept confidential. Share your valuable insights. Take the survey.
Reel Families for Change is seeking participants to fill out their Screen Executives’ Care Structure Survey. Reel Families is on a mission to bring sustainable production practices to sets across the country, but missing data on workplace culture norms, access solutions, and worker support infrastructure in the American screen industry makes it difficult to do quickly. Please consider filling out this survey to contribute to this industry-shifting data. Once completed, share it with peers to gather as many perspectives as possible. Learn more and take the survey.
Materials for the Arts in Long Island City is seeking volunteers! Right now, with a severe staffing shortage they are looking for some volunteers who can help them in the warehouse. Would you be able to help? Or do you know someone that could stop by on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 10:00am and 5:00pm? They have certain special onetime projects as well as ongoing volunteer projects. Folding fabric, organizing bins, or putting things out on shelves. The vibe is good and they always play great music. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@mfta.nyc.gov if you are interested.
The “Made in NY” Post Production Training Program is a free skills training program serving low-income New Yorkers and leading to jobs in the booming New York City post production industry. Participants with previous production experience will receive five weeks of industry-informed training in video editing and visual effects software, followed by job placement and on-the-job training with local post production companies that specialize in animation, editing, motion graphics, and visual effects. They are actively seeking employers to partner with us to provide entry-level job opportunities for program graduates. For more information, please visit www.bwiny.org/post or contact Ryan Penny, Program Director at rpenny@bwiny.org.
The Women in the Arts & Media Coalition is looking for a few great volunteers and apprentices! Are you interested in making a difference in how women are represented and perceived in the arts and by the media? They are looking for new brains, hearts, and energy for their major committees: Communications, Membership, and Development. If you’re not already a member of one of their member orgs (check the list on our website at www.womenartsmediacoailition.org– NYWIFT is one of the member orgs!), you might be eligible to be an apprentice. Email them at volunteers@womenartsmediacoalition.org and they will send you some questions to get you started!
