National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

Independent agency of the U.S. government that supports the creation, dissemination, and performance of the arts. It was created by the U.S. Congress in 1965 and funds projects in literature, music, theatre, film, dance, fine arts, sculpture, and crafts. The majority of NEA grants go directly to institutions such as art museums, not-for-profit theatres, and symphony orchestras; to arts programs in schools; and to support events such as folk arts festivals. Some individual artists are funded for specific projects as well. Grants are often awarded by the NEA in cooperation with state and local arts agencies. NEA funding dropped in the 1990s, as Congressional opposition arose in response to certain NEA-supported projects.

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