A persuasive advocate should be up to date on the key issues affecting the opera sector.

Read the latest news on advocacy efforts prepared by OPERA America's senior manager of government affairs and civic practice — and check back for regular updates.

Review the key issues affecting opera and the arts with downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Action Group.

Advocacy Updates

Issued December 15, 2025

National Endowment for the Arts FY2027 GAP Grant Deadlines and Guidelines Announced 

Earlier this week, the NEA released updated deadlines and guidelines for FY2027 GAP grant applications. There have been many changes, but a few of note include: 

• Some disciplines have been combined for the purpose of application intake to streamline their processes.
• Theater & Musical Theater are combined.
• Visual Arts and Film & Media Arts are now Visual & Media Arts.
• Design & Our Town are combined, and applications will be accepted at both GAP deadlines for added flexibility.
• Artist Communities is no longer offered as a separate discipline. Artist residency projects and projects from artist community organizations can apply throughout GAP.
• Challenge America is now offered as a distinct discipline within GAP, and organizations may apply to either GAP deadline.
• There have been numerous changes and additions to the application questions. Returning applicants should be sure to read the new application instructions. 

More can be found at the new NEA FAQ page. Please also note that the updated Assurance of Compliance page and updated priorities.

FY2026 Appropriations Process Update 

Under the Continuing Resolution that ended the federal government shutdown in November, Congress has until January 30, 2026, to finalize FY2026 funding for the nine remaining appropriations bills, including funding for cultural agencies and arts education. Given the compressed timeline and the holiday recess, it is essential for advocates to maintain their efforts in urging Congress to support federal funding. Take action now and make sure to personalize the letters with your own stories of impact!

Issued December 5, 2025

New Ruling in IMLS Court Case

On November 21, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted a permanent injunction in Rhode Island vs Trump stating attempts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) were unlawful, unconstitutional, and in direct violation of Congress's clear statutory directives. The injunction prevents the Administration from further carrying out the Executive Order relating to IMLS and vacates the Administration's actions.

This decision impacts all states and not just the 21 states apart of the initial ruling. The Administration is likely to appeal the ruling.

It is unclear how this ruling will impact IMLS staffing or grants as well as the hearing scheduled for oral arguments set for December 4 in the First Circuit Court of Appeal.

Update courtesy of the American Alliance of Museums 

Senate HELP Committee Votes to Advance Mary Anne Carter’s Nomination as Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts

Earlier this week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to advance Mary Anne Carter’s nomination by a 14-9 vote. Her nomination will now move to the Senate floor for a final vote at a later date.

Congressman Blake Moore Launches the Bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus to Increase Charitable Giving in Local Communities

Earlier this week, Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) launched the bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus with Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) to highlight and enhance the impact of nonprofit work and philanthropic giving in local communities.

The bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus serves as a forum to highlight and enhance the impact that the nonprofit sector and philanthropic giving have on local communities. The Caucus promotes policies that strengthen America’s communities and the philanthropic and charitable sectors by supporting and expanding tax incentives for charitable giving, protecting the ability of foundations, individuals, and businesses to give back, and advancing public–private partnerships that empower and drive local impact. The Caucus also seeks to inform and advance a deeper understanding of the contributions, work, and role of foundations in communities across the country for Members of Congress and their staff.

Brian Flahaven, Chair of the Charitable Giving Coalition, which OPERA America is a member of, shared "I commend Representatives Blake Moore and Danny Davis for re-launching the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus. Their leadership reflects a deep and consistent commitment to strengthening philanthropy and the charitable sector—most notably through their successful effort to extend the charitable tax deduction to all American taxpayers. The Charitable Giving Coalition looks forward to partnering with the Caucus to elevate the vital role philanthropy plays in communities nationwide and to advance policies that foster generosity and expand charitable impact.” 

Issued November 21, 2025

Bipartisan Deal to Reopen Government Ends Shutdown - NEA Award Notifications

After a 43-day federal government shutdown, Congress enacted a bipartisan agreement to reopen and fund the federal government last week. Federal agencies resumed non-essential operations and restarted efforts to spend and obligate funding approved by Congress. Parts of the federal government are funded under a continuing resolution through Jan. 30, 2026, and Congress has until then to pass FY26 funding, including appropriations for the NEA, NEH, and IMLS. 

During the shutdown, the National Endowment for the Arts continued its work, and notifications regarding awards have started to be sent out. Our coalition partner, The League of American Orchestras, has a robust overview of the latest court action and funding cycles pertaining to the NEA. 

U.S. Department of Education Announces Six New Interagency Partnerships

This week, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) signed six interagency agreements to transfer management of several programs to the Departments of Labor, Interior, State, and Health and Human Services. The Department of Labor will assume management of the Office of Elementary & Secondary Education programs, which includes the Office of Well-Rounded Education and administers all of the grant programs authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The ESSA program includes Titles I, II, IV-A, and the Assistance for Arts Education program. 

A Q&A indicates that the Department of Labor will provide grant administration services, including managing competitions, while the USDE "will maintain all statutory responsibilities and will continue its oversight of these programs." The Q&A also indicates that states "will continue receiving all title formula funds — including those that support low-income students, teachers, academic enrichment, and after-school programs. States will now receive these funds from DOL." 

The Arts Education Alliance released a statement on the program transfers. 

Visa Processing Address Changes: Grace Period Ends Next Week

Following the government shutdown, those engaged in the artist visa process are watching for even longer delays from start to finish. The requirements for how to file petitions and pay related fees have changed significantly in recent months and the very latest change involves where to file O and P visa petitions. After more than two years of arts petitioners adjusting to a single service center in Texas, USCIS has expanded the locations where petitions must be sent, and there are numerous factors that determine the correct location for each type of petition. Getting the details right is essential, otherwise USCIS will reject a petition and precious time will be lost. More can be found at the latest news alert on Artists from Abroad. 

Update courtesy of the League of American Orchestras

Other News and Resources

• New informational page from the Tax Foundation regarding the upcoming changes to charitable giving provisions starting in 2026, along with the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ one-pager overview on the new charitable deduction for non-itemizers. 

• Independent Venues & Festivals Call For U.S. States To Replicate The UK’s New Ticket Resale Price Cap Policy And To End Speculative Listings

• Riskier Business: A Guide for Dramatists and Performing Arts Workers on Finding Affordable Health Coverage and Care

Key Advocacy Issues

Prepare to take action by reviewing the key issues with downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Action Group.