The upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner has stirred up speculation about President Trump’s attendance, but amidst this uncertainty, the politics of entertainment funding presses on. With a recent National Arts Advocacy Summit in Las Vegas setting the stage, The Creative Coalition (TCC) and a group from the entertainment community are gearing up to head to Capitol Hill during the dinner weekend. Their mission? To advocate directly to lawmakers for ongoing federal support of the arts.
Against the backdrop of Trump’s controversial decision to dismiss the Kennedy Center board and assume the role of chair, as well as Elon Musk’s call to defund NPR, TCC faces a challenging battle on April 25th.
The strategy established at the Vegas summit centers around highlighting the economic impact of the arts. TCC President Tim Daly emphasized, “The arts are not just a cultural asset but a cornerstone of economic growth and national prosperity.” He notes that the arts sector contributes over $877 billion annually, making up 4.5% of the national GDP — a significant economic force surpassing industries like transportation, agriculture, and construction combined.
Robin Bronk, TCC CEO, echoes this sentiment, stating that every dollar invested in the arts generates nine dollars in economic activity, leading to job creation and small business growth. This perspective positions supporting the arts as not merely charity but sound economic policy, with positive ripple effects such as lower crime rates, robust local economies, and enhanced student achievement.
The events in Washington, D.C. will be packed with briefings, luncheons, and meetings with members of Congress. The delegation includes prominent figures from the entertainment industry like Jason Isaacs, Marg Helgenberger, Rachel Bloom, Alex Borstein, Iain Armitage, CCH Pounder, Lorraine Toussaint, and many others. The Hollywood Reporter is the official media partner for The Creative Coalition’s Right To Bear Arts Day, where they will advocate for the economic, educational, and social merits of the arts to decision-makers in the White House and on the Hill. THR will also capture behind-the-scenes footage for a project diving into the intricacies of arts advocacy.
Established in 1989 in response to President Ronald Reagan’s attempt to defund the National Endowment of the Arts, TCC will conclude its advocacy efforts with the 24th annual Right To Bear Arts Benefit Gala Dinner. This event aims to bring together members of Congress, Trump’s Cabinet, policymakers, business leaders, and celebrities to champion the transformative power of the arts in society.
In conclusion, amid the uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s attendance at the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, the advocacy for continued federal support of the arts remains a pressing concern for TCC and the entertainment community. Through a strategic emphasis on the economic impact of the arts, TCC aims to make a compelling case to lawmakers for sustained investment in this vital sector. As they prepare to engage with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C., TCC’s commitment to promoting the arts as a driver of economic growth, social well-being, and cultural enrichment stands as a testament to the enduring value of creative expression in our society.