Performing Arts Alliance June 2023 Advocacy Update

June 29, 2023
Chorus America burst

This June 2023 update from the Performing Arts Alliance shares advocacy news on actions you can take to protect your LGBTGIA2S+ artists, staff, and audience members; proposed ticketing legislation, and National Endowment for the Arts news on FY24 appropriations and upcoming grant opportunities. Chorus America is an organizational member of the Performing Arts Alliance, which advocates for America’s professional nonprofit arts sector before Congress and key policy makers.

Performing Arts Alliance June 2023 Advocacy Update

Standing Up for Transgender and LGBTQIA2S+ Freedoms

Policy threats to the LGBTQIA2S+ community is creating a state of emergency and the challenges faced demand our immediate attention. The most recent state level legislative session has seen the enactment of 500+ discriminatory laws across the country, representing a systematic effort to control individuals' bodies, stifle free speech and creative expression, and erase trans and nonbinary individuals from public life, including the arts. From bills that ban access to life-saving healthcare to those that hinder professional careers in the performing arts and arts education, it is imperative that we stand in support of LGBTQIA2S+ and trans communities. These measures not only affect transgender individuals but also impact drag performers and other artists who defy rigid gender norms. We find ourselves at a critical juncture, and it is imperative that we all pay attention and stand up against this.

The Artists Communities Alliance, one of PAA’s member organizations, provides valuable principles for creating safety in arts spaces. Read ACA's "Safety is not a Performance" and take steps to protect your LGBTQIA2S+ artists, staff, and audience members. Follow the Transgender Legislation Tracker to stay informed on national, state, and local anti-trans legislation.

New Ticketing Rules Proposed at Federal Level

The Performing Arts Alliance has been working with many other arts organizations seeking to address critical issues surrounding the ticketing system. The Biden Administration, industry leaders, and members of Congress are recommending a variety of policy approaches to apply new legal and regulatory requirements to primary and secondary sellers. PAA members have reported significant problems with resellers that have engaged in practices such as exorbitant pricing, the sale of non-existent tickets, and even the distribution of counterfeit tickets. By and large, they have operated with impunity, evading consequences for their actions.

In response to these challenges, PAA has joined a coalition called Fix the Tix, which comprises a diverse array of organizations and professionals from the live event industry, including artists, venues, managers, and unions. The coalition has developed a Fix the Tix Plan, which includes; shielding fans from price gouging, putting an end to fraudulent resale practices, transparent ticket pricing, and empowering fans with ticket resale opportunities. This topic will be addressed by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) at their conference in Washington, DC. in July, which will include a Congressional Hill Day on July 12 dedicated to ticketing matters.

PAA Supports Increased FY24 Appropriation for NEA

The House and Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittees which have jurisdiction over National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding, will soon begin consideration of the FY24 Interior Appropriations bill. The Subcommittees set the dollar amount for the NEA that begins the formal appropriations process, and this is a critical step in this process! If you are a constituent of a Member of Congress that serves on the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee or the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, we especially urge you to contact your elected officials to support NEA funding.

The NEA’s current funding level is $207 million which reflects a significant increase from its FY22 funding level. The President has requested $211 million for the NEA’s FY24 appropriation. Arts advocates are urging Congress to support $211 million for the Endowment.

The Performing Arts Alliance urges you to contact your elected officials TODAY to support this increase and communicate the value of the NEA in supporting the performing arts in your community. The PAA participated in drafting an NEA Issue Brief to provide further information and encourage advocates to refer to it when personalizing your communication to Congress.

Upcoming NEA grant deadlines

If you represent an organization seeking funding opportunities, please note these upcoming grant deadlines: