Update from the Museum Program of NEA

Update from the Museum Program of the National Endowment for the
Arts:

This autumn marks a transition from the current structure of the
Arts Endowment to a new configuration that is taking shape because
of major Congressional budget cuts, directives, and subsequent
internal restructuring.

Congressional action:  Congress has reduced by 40% the NEA budget
for FY96 (which began October 1, 1995).  This will mean
substantially fewer funds for support of arts institutions with a
47% reduction in agency staff by mid-December.  The Museums and
Visual Arts Programs will lose an additional eight staff members
(for a total of 13 this year).  Congress is also eliminating direct
grants to individuals except literature fellowships, Jazz Masters,
and Folk Heritage fellowships.

New Guidelines:  A single guidelines book describing the four new
theme categories, outlining eligibility requirements, review
criteria, and the application process is being published.  If you
don't receive a copy by mid-January 1996, please call the agency at
202-682-5400 to request one.

Team Approach:  The agency will no longer be divided into discipline
programs. However, maintaining a string discipline-based staff
remains a priority and the teams of discipline-based staff will
administer the theme categories.  Although specifics have yet to be
worked out, the agency is considering a review first by experts in a
specific discipline, followed by a review of recommended
applications by a cross-discipline panel.

Special Exhibitions:  Application will be reviewed in December and
January, with notification of awards in March 1996.

The NEA will distribute frequent updates as information changes.  To
request copies, call 202-682-5448.

Sarah Z. Rosenberg

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:44
                Distributed: Tuesday, November 21, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-9-44-001
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