Local arts non-profit says federal cuts to hurt local economy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga non-profit says federal cuts are going to put local artists in a bind.

Artsbuild says they are losing $100,000 in federal arts grants.

They invest in local artists through programs and grants.

This is after the Trump administration ordered the National Endowment for the Arts to cancel all of their grants, and are ultimately calling for the agency to be terminated.

They say that funding is not just essential from a creative perspective, but say it will put a strain on the local economy.

James McKissic , the President of ArtsBuild, said, “This is money we reinvest in local artists, in cultural institutions in Hamilton County, and community based projects… The non-profits arts and culture sector generates near $200 million in economic impact right here in Hamilton County, and supports a workforce of more than three thousand people.”

The Trump administration is also recommending the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and National Endowment of the Humanities as part of a $163 billion dollar federal budget cut.