Americans for the Arts, the nation’s largest nonprofit arts advocacy organization, reports that Congress has approved a law to fix a problem that last year’s hurricanes exposed in dramatic and tragic form.  In short, most nonprofit arts organizations other than museums were not even eligible to apply for financial assistance from FEMA to help cover the costs of emergency protective measures or recovery.  Unable to help themselves, many arts organizations were therefore unable to provide the artistic services that would have helped rebuild their communities. 

The obstacle to applications was an internal decision by FEMA during the 1990’s. In previous years, it had covered a broader range of organizations.

Following appeals by a broad range of nonprofit organizations, including the arts, Congress has stepped in with a new definition of eligibility.  Simply stated, the new definition covers “any private nonprofit facility that provides essential services of a governmental nature to the general public.” It specifically includes performing arts facilities and community arts centers as well as other cultural, health, and human service organizations that FEMA had previously deemed ineligible to apply.  The chief sponsor of the new provision was Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), and we are very grateful indeed for his leadership.

The provision was initially part of a larger bill to reform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  When that bill stalled, the provision became part of the annual DHS appropriations bill for FY 2007. 

FEMA will make decisions on a case by case basis.  In other words, arts organizations will not qualify automatically.  But at least their applications can be considered.  It is clearly a big step forward for the arts – but even more important, it should help to ensure that the tragic lack of artistic services and healing in communities that desperately need them will never happen again.