As you will see from the message below, the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the National Humanities Alliance are requesting that Congress include an additional $500million in the NEH appropriation for emergency relief for our sector.
We all know from firsthand experience or messages from cultural partners that the coronavirus pandemic is causing unprecedented disruptions for the cultural sector. Museums and historical societies have sent their staff home and closed their doors, and in-person programs have been canceled. In some cases, the pandemic and subsequent economic turmoil is causing staff layoffs. As we have seen in past crisis, the damage to our sector is great, and the recovery curve is steep and long.
As Congress debates the merits of and dollar figures for economic stimulus, the fifty-six state and territorial humanities councils are asking that our sector be remembered, both for the devastation it is experiencing and for its contributions to the economic vitality of our communities.
Please use the link to the Federation's advocacy page to send a message to your Congressional Representatives and Senators.
You will see that the Federation asks you to send two messages -- the first for emergency funding, the second to support the regular NEH & Fed/State Partnership appropriation. Please do both if you can.
My thoughts for health and prosperity are with you and your families, along with gratitude for all you do for the public humanities in Ohio.
