Washington, D.C., March 26—On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Young Audiences Arts for Learning’s President & CEO Michele Russo joined ArtPride New Jersey and other arts advocates from across the state in Washington, D.C., for New Jersey’s Arts Advocacy Day.

They met with New Jersey’s elected officials and urged them to maintain critical funding for the arts in our state. Russo engaged directly with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and the legislative staff of Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Senator Cory Booker, and Senator Andy Kim. She shared the impact of YA programming that served 264,000 students who experience:

- 975 performances in schools; and

- 2,315 hands-on workshops in classrooms

In addition, 65% of YA programs are grant-funded so that all students have equitable arts education. The arts advocates requested $18.67 billion for Education Title 1-A funding to ensure all children meet academic standards, with arts education as part of a well-rounded education; $2.19 billion for Education Title II-A to support professional development for education; and $1.39 billion for Education Title IV-A to improve student academic achievement by fostering well-rounded education, safe and healthy learning environments, and effective technology use.

It is more vital than ever for arts advocates to have their voices heard in D.C. Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities is at risk of being cut or zeroed out. The group advocated for appropriation in the FY '26 budget, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Assistance for Arts Education, and more.

You can continue to make your voice count. Elected officials need to hear directly from you about the critical need for government support, how it shapes your life, and all that arts and culture have made possible for your community. Any time of the year, you can make a difference by telling Congress how the arts have impacted your life and your community. Your story can inspire action.

Send a Prefilled Letter: artpridenj.org/actnow

Call Your Legislator: usa.gov/elected-officials

Learn more about how to become an arts champion.

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional teaching artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted more than 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit yanjep.org.