What defunding the NEA would mean to Miami Dade College Cultural programs?
The White House proposed budget for FY2018 officially recommends the complete defunding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
At Miami Dade College (MDC), we strongly believe that arts have the power to enable people to see beyond their differences. Because of this, and for more than 50 years, MDC has offered cutting-edge, thought-provoking endeavors in film, the visual arts, literature and the performing arts.
Along with two of South Florida’s signature events – the Miami Film Festival and Miami Book Fair – Miami Dade College features award-winning performances, readings, and exhibitions that are as diverse as the community it serves. At the college we believe these programs contribute to the education, growth, economy and development in our community, and are an important part of our identity.
Defunding the NEA will significantly affect the capacity of the College to provide these crucial cultural experiences to our community and to many residents who would likely have no other avenues to experience the arts.
What can you do?
If you value the arts and want these cultural activities to continue in Miami, you need to make your voice heard. In the next few months, our lawmakers will finalize the federal budget for 2018. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Sign the national petition created by Americans for the Arts.
https://secure.artsactionfund.org/page/s/trump-arts-petition - Contact your Legislator. Use this link to see/edit a sample e-mail and send directly to your area’s representatives from this site: https://www.votervoice.net/ARTSUSA/Campaigns/47344/Respond
- Call your members of Congress and ask they support arts and culture by continuing the funding of the NEA. You can reach the U.S. House switchboard operator at: (202) 225-3121.
- Post your support of the arts to social media using the following hashtags: #SavetheNEA #ArtsAdvocacy
Miami Dade College changes lives through accessible, 
high-quality teaching and learning experiences. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. At MDC we believe the arts have a wonderful universality with the power to bridge cultural understanding.
Thank you for supporting the arts,
Miami Dade College Cultural Affairs
Miami Book Fair
Miami Film Festival
Museum of Art and Design
MDC Live Arts
Koubek Center, Su Casa de Cultura
Teatro Prometeo
