One-Time Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds for TN Arts
From Anne Pope, Executive Director –
The one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) includes support for organizations and jobs in the arts sector impacted by the pandemic. Congress appropriated $135 million to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) through the ARP Act. This appropriation represents a significant commitment to the arts and a recognition of the value of the arts and culture sector to the nation’s economy and recovery. The NEA will direct 40% of these funds directly to state and regional arts agencies to be distributed through their funding programs. The amount to be regranted by Tennessee Arts Commission is $794,600. ARP Act funds will be non-matching. The Commission expects to award approximately 1,000 grants in both rural and urban communities during the year, totaling up to $8.5 million dollars, including one-time federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, which are subject to budget expansion approval.
The Commission expects to subgrant $794,600 of the ARP Act funds. The Commission’s allocations process involves a review by citizen advisory panels with expertise in appropriate arts disciplines and approval by the full 15-member Commission. State staff monitor and review on-going federal guidance and work with the Commission board to determine the most effective and efficient way to distribute these limited funds.
The ARP Act designates the remaining 60% of the NEA funds for direct grants to nonprofit arts organizations all across the United States. The NEA has two funding opportunities available—one for arts and culture organizations, and one for local arts agencies to subgrant. The application deadline for local arts agencies for subgranting is July 22, 2021. Read the local arts agencies subgranting guidelines for full details. The application deadline for arts and cultural organizations is August 12, 2021. Read the organization guidelines for full details.
This unprecedented influx of one-time federal money poses opportunities for state grantees to help repair the pandemics’ economic damage and make long-term investments. More information on NEA ARP funds will be distributed as soon as available.
