Wake County's United Arts Council Expands Arts Programs but Faces Funding Uncertainty
Unexpected loss of federal funding will impact arts programs and arts therapy services throughout Wake County
Holly Springs, NC, Feb. 18, 2025 — At its February 17, 2025 meeting, the Wake County Board of Commissioners discussed the United Arts Council’s record expansion of arts programs and an unexpected loss of federal funding that could impact arts programs and arts therapy services in the community.
The United Arts Council has made significant strides in expanding arts education throughout Wake County, particularly in public schools. One major success has been the increase in artist residencies, allowing more students to engage directly with professional artists in school settings.
In addition, preparations are underway for the upcoming "Pieces of Gold" student performance on March 5, 2025. This highly anticipated event showcases student talent from Wake County Public Schools and celebrates the role of arts education in fostering creativity and community engagement.
Despite these achievements, the United Arts Council now faces an unexpected financial challenge. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently withdrew federal funding supporting arts therapy initiatives.
The loss of this funding came without prior notification, leaving uncertainty about the future of these programs. One official described the situation as “very sad that the people who are getting art therapy may lose that service going forward.”
The funding cut raises concerns about the continued availability of arts therapy programs, which have been used to support mental health services and other community needs. While the exact financial impact was not disclosed, the withdrawal of NEA support creates an urgent need to identify alternative funding sources.
Discussions at the meeting suggested that possible solutions could include:
Seeking state-level funding to offset the loss.
Exploring additional private-sector partnerships and donor contributions.
Advocating for the restoration of federal support.
While there is no immediate resolution, officials recognized the importance of sustaining arts therapy programs and ensuring Wake County residents, particularly those relying on these services for mental health and emotional well-being, are not left without resources.
The United Arts Council remains committed to its mission, and further updates on potential funding solutions are expected in the coming months.