Central Park SummerStage Among Those Affected By NEA Cuts

The Trump administration has begun canceling National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants, according to NPR. The publication reported that mass emails were sent out late on Friday, May 2, informing hundreds of arts groups notifying them of the withdrawal and termination of their grants, with Central Park SummerStage among those affected.

The Berkeley Repertory Theater and the Chicago-area arts education nonprofit Open Studio Project were also informed their grants have been withdrawn and terminated.

“The NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President,” the email stated, according to NPR. “Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities.” Recipients of the email can appeal the decision within seven days.

Central Park’s SummerStage has a full schedule of concerts lined up for the summer, including performances by Kehlani (June 26), Charlotte Day Wilson/The Weather Station (July 2), Jacob Collier (Aug. 1), Rilo Kiley (Sept. 8), Soccer Mommy/Hurray for the Riff Raff (Sept. 16), Wet Leg (Sept. 17), Seven Lions (Sept. 19) and more. The organization puts on free concerts throughout New York City through the duration of the summer, with select dates serving as benefit concerts requiring a donation.