WE WILL NOT COMPLY
We will continue producing the work we believe in,
with the artists we believe in, without compromise.
As members of our community, I’m writing to share with you an important matter that impacts the future of Primary Stages.
New mandates from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) require grant applicants and recipients to comply with deeply troubling Executive Orders issued by The White House.
Under these new requirements, any arts organization that accepts or applies for NEA funding is prohibited from “operating any programs which promote diversity, equity, and inclusion” and cannot use federal funds to “promote gender ideology.”
peerless
written by Jiehae Park
NEA Grant recipient 2022
On That Day In Amsterdam
written by Clarence Coo
NEA Grant recipient 2022
This past fall, Primary Stages was awarded a competitive grant of $20,000 from the NEA for our production of Amerikin by Chisa Hutchinson, a play that casts a revealing light on the deep divisions within our nation. We are still waiting to receive these funds from the government.
I don’t know if these funds will be delayed, restricted, or denied altogether. What I DO know is that we will NOT compromise our core values for Amerikin or any future Primary Stages project.
Over the next four years, Primary Stages stood to receive an additional $40,000 to $80,000 in federal grants for our productions. This funding is now in jeopardy because of these new restrictions, making it impossible for Primary Stages to seek federal support while staying true to our mission.
The Tribute Artist
written by & starring Charles Busch
NEA Grant recipient 2014
Feeding the Dragon
written by & starring Sharon Washington
NEA Grant recipient 2018
Beyond what you see on our stages, we run programs dedicated to inspiring the art of playwriting and supporting a broad range of artists, initiatives that would directly contradict these new rules. We’re exceptionally proud of all the writers we’ve collaborated with through our Creative Access Program and Echoes Writers Group, and we refuse to leave them out in the cold.
Two Primary Stages Board Members have stepped forward to bridge this gap in federal funding by pledging a $20,000 matching grant to help us raise $40,000 by the opening night of Amerikin on March 18. This generous match doubles the impact of every gift. As we face ever more uncertainty, every single donation - no matter the size - moves us forward.
Many of us are frustrated by the recent actions of this administration and wonder how we can take a stand. By making a gift to Primary Stages, you can help us continue producing the work we believe in, with the artists we believe in, without compromise.
Please join us in our quest of building the future of American Theater, one play at a time.
Sincerely,
Erin Daley
Artistic Director
Make an impact today
$25 = $50
$50 = $100
$100 = $200
$250 = $500
$500 = $1,000
IN THE NEWS
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Hundreds of Artists Call on N.E.A. to Roll Back Trump’s Restrictions
A letter signed by 463 playwrights, poets, dancers, visual artists, and others pushes back against new grant requirements that bar the promotion of diversity or “gender ideology.”
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New NEA Guidelines Require Compliance With Trump’s Anti-DEI, Anti-Trans Orders
Other updates include a cancellation of Challenge America grants and a new emphasis on patriotic ‘America250’ projects.
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The N.E.A.’s New Gender and Diversity Edicts Worry Arts Groups
As the National Endowment for the Arts adjusts to comply with President Trump’s executive orders, “gender ideology” is out and works that “honor the nation’s rich artistic heritage” are in.
Photo from our production of YES, I CAN SAY THAT!
written by and starring Judy Gold
This quote used within the show is by Lenny Bruce