ARC Condemns Executive Order “Eliminating” Federal Museum Agency
United States
Affronts Purging Federal Entities and Undermining Cultural Institutions Intensify the Nationwide Erosion of Artistic Freedom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 March 2025
(NEW YORK) ARC raises grave concerns over the current U.S. administration’s latest Executive Order “eliminating” the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums–determined to be “unnecessary”–as part of the administration’s ongoing “reduction of the federal workforce,” an effort to exert greater influence over federally-funded arts and culture institutions. ARC urges policymakers to ensure the preservation of the IMLS and to recognize the indispensable role that cultural institutions play in a vibrant, informed, and inclusive society.
“Eliminating the IMLS is a devastating blow to cultural institutions, especially those in underserved communities that rely on federal support. This decision undermines access to the arts, disproportionately harming marginalized groups and stifling diverse expression,” said ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault. “It also reflects a troubling pattern of diminishing support for the arts and humanities, devaluing cultural institutions, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of those who sustain them. This is a direct attack on artistic freedom and a disservice to future generations.”
Signed on Friday, 14 March, the order–which affects the IMLS, as well as the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, part of the Smithsonian Institution–states that the president has designated it “unnecessary,” and it will “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” It also requires the head of each agency to submit, within a week, a report to the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirming compliance and outlining which of their agency’s activities “are statutorily required and to what extent,” along similar lines to the summary ultimatum made by Elon Musk that federal workers must document their accomplishments or face being fired.
Among the largest conduits for federal arts funding in the U.S., the IMLS was appropriated $294.8m in funds by Congress for the 2024 fiscal year. It has been a cornerstone in supporting museums and libraries across the United States, providing essential funding, resources, and services that enrich communities and preserve cultural heritage. Last year alone, the agency provided $266.7m in grants to more than 293 groups across the country.
This latest Executive Order follows others that resulted in the changes–along partisan lines–of grant requirements for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), as well as the president’s self-appointment as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, developments which ARC roundly condemned in a joint statement released with PEN America and the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC).
About ARC
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing the right to artistic freedom worldwide. Founded in 2017, ARC works to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. By providing vital resources and support, ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors—whether for their artistic expression or the broader impact they have on cultural, social, and political issues.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Julie Trébault
Executive Director
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)
+1 646.860.5446