04/03/2026
Yes!
Feeling like we’re more divided than ever? The arts have something to say about that.
Here’s what the research shows about arts as common ground:
→ 76% of Americans believe the arts are personally important to them—one of the rare points of bipartisan agreement in our current climate
→ Congress recently acted on it: Federal arts funding for NEA and NEH was protected at $207M each, with support crossing party lines. Proposals to eliminate these agencies were rejected.
→ In an era of declining institutional trust, the arts remain one of the few spaces where Americans from different backgrounds still gather, engage, and find connection
→ 72% of Americans say the arts create connections across different backgrounds
→ 78% see the arts as a positive force during challenging times
Think about it: That community theater performance, local gallery opening, or outdoor concert isn’t just entertainment. It’s where neighbors who might disagree on everything else sit side by side. It’s where understanding grows quietly. It’s where we remember we’re not as different as we think.
The arts are the connective tissue that binds communities together. In a fractured moment, that matters more than ever.
We want to hear from you: Tell us about a time the arts helped you find a connection with someone different from you, across a divide, or in an unexpected way.
👉 Share your story: https://bit.ly/48EpriT
