Mary Anne Carter Confirmed as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

Washington, DC-The United States Senate voted today to confirm Mary Anne Carter as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Carter will lead the agency for a second time, expanding on her leadership with the NEA during Trump's first Presidential term.

"I am once again deeply honored to serve as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts," said Carter. "I am committed to advancing the vision that the arts belong to all Americans, no matter who they are or where they live. The arts are essential to creating, innovating, healing, and recovery, and they provide vital economic stability to communities across the nation. I look forward to the many celebrations that will take place in 2026 in honor of America's 250th anniversary, as well as to the agency's continued research into the powerful role the arts play in healing-from illness to trauma to natural disasters."

"The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) applauds the nomination of Mary Anne Carter to be the next chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)," said Pam Breaux, President and CEO of NASAA. "The NEA and state arts agencies share a vital federal-state partnership that expands access to the arts nationwide. The agency grew under Carter's leadership from 2017-2021, investing in every Congressional district. She has proven to be an excellent steward of federal arts resources, supporting efforts that foster good health and well-being, strengthen communities, and preserve our heritage for future generations. NASAA and state arts agencies look forward to continuing this partnership so every community is strengthened through the arts."

"Congratulations to Mary Anne Carter on her confirmation as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts," said Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts. "Mary Anne brings a deep understanding of the arts ecosystem and a commitment to public service and cultural stewardship. The NEA is essential to our nation, reaching every corner of America by supporting programs-from rural arts initiatives and veterans' healing programs to youth education, local festivals, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. We look forward to Chairman Carter's steady, thoughtful leadership guiding this vital agency into its next chapter."

About Mary Anne Carter
Mary Anne Carter serves as the 14th chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), returning to the role after previously leading the agency during President Donald J. Trump's first term. In her earlier tenure, she worked to make the NEA more accessible to the American people, directing an expansion of Creative Forces (a creative arts therapy program for U.S. service members and veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and other psychological health conditions) and bolstering many of its national initiatives, including Shakespeare in American Communities, NEA Big Read, and Poetry Out Loud. Read more at arts.gov/chairman.

About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States.