On May 2nd, Civitella, alongside many of our peer organizations, was notified that our $30,000 2025 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, “to support an artist-in-residence program for U.S. visual artists in the Umbria region of Italy,” had been rescinded. The email stated that our project does not align with the priorities laid out by the current administration.
This grant was meant to support the residencies for five American visual artists, two of whom are currently at the Castle. This update came three months into our period of performance – meaning that those funds have already been allocated and spent, in plane tickets, space allocation costs, food purchases, staffing, and other expenses.
Notwithstanding this disheartening, disruptive news, we are determined to continue fulfilling our mission to bring together visual artists, writers, and composers to work independently and communally without judgment or interruption. Our 2025 season will continue as planned, with the 50 Fellows scheduled.
What can you do to help? Join us in advocating for the arts and supporting arts organizations across the country. Urge your elected officials to protect funding for the arts, humanities, and knowledge building. And, if you’re able, please give – to Civitella or to any impacted arts organization – now is the time. Thank you in advance for your support.
Your donation will help bridge the gap left in our budget by the loss of this grant. Gifts to Civitella directly support artists from around the globe. Thank you for helping us provide a transformative experience for this year’s Civitellians.
This image shows Vian Sora, a current visual artist whose residency was to be supported by the NEA, at work in the courtyard of the Castle. Photograph by composer Heather Stebbins.