The National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent federal agency that funds and promotes artistic excellence. The agency funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of its communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation. It has awarded more than $5 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. The National Endowment for the Arts was founded in 1965 and is based in Washington, District of Columbia.