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Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us.
Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools.
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These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.
New Report: The Great Connector: How Arts Participation Renews Civic and Community Engagement
This month, the NEA released a new report that closely examines the links between arts participation and civic engagement. Choirs may want to reference these findings when advocating for the arts with foundations, donors, community partners, and elected officials. Key findings include:
- Arts participants are nearly four times more likely to engage in civic and community activities than non-arts participants. This difference remains even after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
- Adults who participate in multiple forms of arts activity, such as attending events, reading, or engaging through digital media; creating or performing art; and supporting artists and arts organizations, show the highest levels of civic and community engagement. This is compared to adults who participate in fewer or no arts activities.
- Educational attainment is a key factor driving the relationship between arts participation and positive social behaviors. The relationship is strongest among adults with at least a bachelor’s degree.
- The strong, positive relationship between arts participation and civic and community engagement is consistent across major sociodemographic groups.
The report further concludes: “Across data sources and populations, participating in the arts remains a strong indicator of civic and community engagement and social support. At a time when large proportions of Americans are disengaging from civic and community life, the arts may offer a lifeline to enhance social connections and improve perceptions of well-being.”
👉 Download the full NEA Research Report here.
IRS CEO Comments on Tax Exempt Sector During Congressional Hearing
On April 15, IRS CEO Bisignano testified before the Senate Finance Committee. During the hearing, Senator Warnock of Georgia questioned Bisignano about IRS investigations into nonprofits. In response, Bisignano stated that neither the president, vice president, nor any White House staff have asked the IRS to investigate specific taxpayers or nonprofits. He added that if such a request were made, the IRS would report that activity to the committee. Bisignano also confirmed that nonviolent protests and litigation against the Trump administration are not grounds for IRS investigation.
👉 Watch the Senate Finance Committee Hearing with IRS CEO here.
Verdict: Live Nation and Ticketmaster Determined a Monopoly
On Wednesday, April 15, a jury found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster to be a monopoly in the market for large venues. Live Nation Entertainment owns, manages bookings for, and holds financial interests in hundreds of venues. Its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, is widely considered the world’s largest ticket seller for live events.
The original complaint, filed by the Department of Justice, 30 state attorneys general, and the District of Columbia, alleged that Live Nation holds monopoly power in the following markets:
- Concert promotion. Live Nation manages more than 400 musical artists and controls approximately 60 percent of concert promotions at major U.S. venues.
- Large amphitheaters. Live Nation owns or controls 60 of the top 100 amphitheaters.
- Ticketing services. Through Ticketmaster, Live Nation controls 80 percent or more of primary ticketing at major concert venues.
The verdict found in favor of the 30+ state attorney generals on all claims. Live Nation had previously settled with the Department of Justice earlier in the process. Additional legal action and an appeal are anticipated. Live Nation maintains that it is not a monopoly. In a statement, the company said, “The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand.”
👉 Read the NPR and AP news stories here and here.
👉 Read the Paul, Weiss law firm overview of the case and verdict here.
👉 Read the Live Nation statement here.
Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
