About
Established by Congress in 1965, 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 equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States.
![Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/maria-rosario-jackson-color-portrait2-400px-version2.jpg?h=642d3d13&itok=7drTNn77)
NEA Chair
Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson
![Woman talking to man in front of conference booth.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/HBCU_3_JaxDlucawithparticipant.jpg?h=c795553f&itok=MDemY3OP)
Leadership & Staff
Complete staff listing, discipline/field directors, National Council on the Arts members.
![Signing ceremony in front of the White House](/sites/default/files/styles/card_square/public/images/LBJ-signing-for-about.jpg?h=a7e6d17b&itok=H_hyLtqE)
What is the NEA?
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency that works to give people across America the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts