American Alliance of Museums Statement on the President’s Preliminary Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2018

Posted on Mar 16, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2017

Arlington, VA – Laura Lott, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums, issued the following statement today in response to the preliminary Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal announced by President Trump, which calls for the elimination of multiple agencies that support the arts and humanities.

“While these proposals from the Trump Administration were rumored for some time, they are no less alarming and disturbing to see released today. The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other programs play an essential role in helping museums make the arts and the humanities accessible to all Americans. It is Congress—not the President—that will ultimately determine funding levels for these vital agencies. After a record-setting presence at Museums Advocacy Day 2017, the Alliance will continue to work with our allies to build on Congress’ tradition of strong bipartisan support for these agencies. We encourage not only museum professionals, but all who benefit from a thriving cultural sector, to join our efforts today.”

About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance stands for the broad scope of the museum community. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

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