How The Creative Coalition Will Swarm Capital Hill

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Speculation swirls around whether President Trump will show up at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, while the debate over government funding for entertainment persists. After the National Arts Advocacy Summit in February, The Creative Coalition (TCC) and a group from the entertainment industry are planning to visit Capitol Hill during the dinner weekend to discuss with legislators the need for ongoing federal support of the arts. However, with Trump recently dismissing the Kennedy Center board and taking over as chair, as well as Elon Musk advocating for NPR’s defunding, TCC could find themselves facing a challenging situation on April 25.

At a meeting held in Las Vegas during February, the strategy was established – to prioritize actions that would have an economic impact. Tim Daly, TCC president, stated, “The arts are not merely cultural treasures; they play a crucial role in fostering economic expansion and national success.” He emphasized that the arts industry generates over $877 billion annually, making up 4.5 percent of the country’s GDP, which is more than sectors like transportation, agriculture, and construction combined. Robin Bronk, TCC CEO, further explained, “For every dollar invested in the arts, there’s a return of $9 in economic activity. This stimulates job creation, encourages small business growth, and isn’t merely charity; it’s smart economic strategy.” She also mentioned that robust arts programs are linked to lower crime rates, flourishing local economies, and higher academic performance among students.

This coming weekend in Washington D.C., is scheduled to be filled with briefings, luncheons, and meetings with members of Congress. The delegates for this event include Jason Isaacs from “The White Lotus”, Marg Helgenberger, Rachel Bloom known for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, Alex Borstein from “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, Iain Armitage of “Young Sheldon”, CCH Pounder of “NCIS”, and Lorraine Toussaint from “Queen Sugar” along with several others.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, this event is officially partnered with The Creative Coalition’s Right To Bear Arts Day. During this day, the group will present arguments about the economic, educational, and social advantages of art to both the White House and Congress. Furthermore, The Hollywood Reporter will be filming behind-the-scenes footage for a project that explores the political aspects of preserving the arts.

Established in 1989 as a reaction to President Ronald Reagan’s attempt to discontinue funding for the National Endowment of the Arts, TCC will continue its legislative visit with the 24th annual Right To Bear Arts Advocacy Gala Dinner. During this event, they will convene Congress members, Trump Administration officials, policy-makers, business leaders, and celebrities to champion the influence of art.

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2025-03-21 00:24