Press
The New York Times: Told to Avoid D.E.I., Arts Groups Are Declining Grants Instead
Nov 20, 2025
Since August, more than 875 people and 270 organizations have signed a statement released by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the Vera List Center for Art and Politics that emphasized a need for art independence.
TOLD TO AVOID D.E.I., ARTS GROUPS ARE DECLINING GRANTS INSTEAD
THE NEW YORK TIMES
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
“After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, a Santa Fe park welcomed an art installation with pillars of woven wood encircling an altar. It was meant to be a place for New Mexicans to reflect on civil rights and race relations.
Five years later, the installation, “O’Gah Po’Geh Altar Project,” reflects tensions around public funding for the arts, after executive orders by President Trump restricted the use of federal grant money for projects that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Izzy Barr, the executive director of the Railyard Park Conservancy, where “O’Gah Po’Geh” was displayed for six months, said it was unclear whether showing the same artwork today would violate the current terms and conditions for public arts funding.
And she does not want to risk finding out.
The Railyard Park Conservancy is one of several arts organizations across New Mexico to publicly decline grants from the state’s arts council, which disburses federal funds supplied by the National Endowment of the Arts. It is a decision that they say prioritizes free speech and creative expression without fear of restrictions or retribution.
“We declined the grant rather than submerge our core values in those muddy waters,” Barr wrote in a newsletter announcing the decision to reject a $4,866 grant.
Amid concerns over funding after the National Endowment of the Arts canceled a large percentage of its awards in May, organizations across the country have decided they would rather find money elsewhere than be subject to federal restrictions.
The Denver Philharmonic Orchestra declined an $8,000 grant, citing concerns about diluting its D.E.I. work. The Portland Opera in Oregon said it would not apply for future federal grants if current restrictions remain in place. And in Troy, N.Y., the Arts Center of the Capital Region rejected a $50,000 grant because of what it called fears of censorship.
Since August, more than 875 people and 270 organizations have signed a statement released by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the Vera List Center for Art and Politics that emphasized a need for art independence.”
—Michaela Towfighi, The New York Times