The cultural sector has been under fire since President Donald Trump took office for the second time in January. He has banned diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the federal government, forcing DEI offices at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Smithsonian Institution to shutter. Many of the canceled NEA grants were aligned with those priorities.

The president has also been outspoken in his desire to stop government funding for and ultimately eliminate arts programming that addresses racism, sexism, reproductive rights, or the trans community, especially at the Smithsonian. Earlier this month, the White House went so far as to publish a list of artworks at the Smithsonian that it believes feature ‘improper ideology.’

This push for control of the nation’s museums and the stories they share with visitors helped inspire the letter.”

—Sarah Cascone