YA President and CEO Michele Russo Fights for Arts Funding in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., March 25—On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, a team from Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA, visited congressional and senate offices in Washington D.C. to advocate for arts education. 

YA President & CEO Michele Russo was joined by YA Board Chair Stacy Mattia, YA Teaching Artist Bobby Beetcut, YA Education Operations Director Liz Winter, Program Officer from the Pincus Family Foundation Stephanie Pierson, and Director of Operations from Young Audiences National Amy Appleton. Sharing personal stories and data about the importance of arts education for today’s students and teachers, the team brought breadth of knowledge and understanding to our elected officials. 

The team visited the offices of Andy Kim, and Cory Booker, U.S. Senators for NJ; Dwight Evans, U.S. Congressman of District 3 in PA; LaMonica McIver, U.S. Congresswoman of District 10 in NJ; and Frank Pallone, Jr., U.S. Congressman of District 6 in NJ. The impact of YA programming was discussed, including the culturally sustaining experience of students in Newark experiencing Puerto Rican dance and drum, and students in South Amboy practicing collaboration and communication through music-making. Also discussed, YA served 300,000 students last year, who experienced:

900 performances in schools; and

3,100 hands-on workshops in classrooms, and

60% of YA programs are grant-funded so that all students have equitable arts education. 

In D.C., YA also joined delegates from the NJ arts and arts education ecosystem in a discussion of shared goals and strategies, convened by ArtsEdNJ. Covered by Education Week, the event galvanized voices and made connections between local and national issues.Recognizing that delays in funding education have a long-term negative effect on schooling, the team requested timely disbursement of education funding including: $18.68 billion for Education Title 1-A funding to ensure all children meet academic standards, with arts education as part of a well-rounded education; $3 billion for Education Title II-A to support professional development for education; $1.6 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; $2.09 billion for 21st Century Learning Centers to support after school learning; $40 million in funding for the Assistance for Arts Education grants to support community partnerships and advance arts learning nationwide.

Representatives also asked for co-sponsorship of the bipartisan “Arts Education for All” Act (HR2485) introduced by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Don Bacon (R-NE). This bipartisan bill would improve access to quality arts education and programming for early learners, K-12 students, and youth and adults involved in the justice system.

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 (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is at risk of being cut. The group advocated for appropriation in the FY '27 budget, including the NEA, 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 (NJ): artpridenj.org/actnow

Call Your Legislator (PA and NJ): 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 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.