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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.
UPDATE - Dear Colleague Letters, Fly-Ins, and Issue Briefs
As the first quarter of 2026 comes to a close, arts advocates are working with Congress on initial requests for FY27 appropriations and report language. Efforts include action alerts encouraging constituents to contact legislative offices, “Dear Colleague” letters asking Members of Congress to sign on in support of funding requests, and fly-in days that bring advocates to Capitol Hill to meet with their elected representatives. To date, support for the cultural agencies remains strong and bipartisan.
➤ Dear Colleague Letter in Support of FY27 NEA funding, here.
➤ Dear Colleague Letter in Support of Artist Visa’s here.
➤ Dear Colleague Letter in Support of FY27 Museum funding, here.
In addition, the Cultural Advocacy Group (CAG), an ad hoc network of federal arts advocates, has been developing FY27 issue briefs. These documents establish unified funding requests and talking points so advocates across the country can deliver a consistent message when engaging with elected officials. Chorus America is an active member of CAG.
➤ Issue Brief – NEA FY27 Final
➤ Issue Brief – Arts Education FY27
➤ Issue Brief – Artist Visas FY27
➤ Issue Brief – Arts in Juvenile Justice FY27
Chorus America will share more FY27 Issue Briefs as they become available.
National Coalition Against Censorship Testifies Before Congress
Last month, Lee Rowland, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Censorship, testified before the House Judiciary Committee at a hearing on the First Amendment.
She described how fear of government retaliation is shaping what artists create, what educators teach, what students say, and what cultural institutions present. While First Amendment protections remain in place, many Americans are self-censoring due to pressure, threats, and the loss of public funding.
Drawing on its national advocacy work, NCAC highlighted how recent actions and policies are limiting free expression across schools, universities, museums, and the media.
➤ Read Lee’s full testimony here.
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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.
