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The arts in peril?

Slashing NEA funding could leave LGBT artists scrambling

Published

9 years ago

on

National Endowment, gay news, Washington Blade

A scene from Cincinnati Opera’s world premiere production of ‘Fellow Travelers’ by Gregory Spears and Greg Pierce. From left are Devon Guthrie, Christian Pursell, Joseph Lattanzi, Aaron Blake, Talya Lieberman, Paul Scholten, Alexandra Schoeny and Vernon Hartman. (Photo by Philip Groshong; courtesy Cincinnati Opera)

Artists and art advocates are on pins and needles since the Hill newspaper reported Jan. 19 that President Donald Trump is considering privatizing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities as part of a wider program of federal budget cuts.

While things are status quo for now — like most federal agencies, the NEA is operating under a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2017 that goes through April — many in the arts world are concerned.

“The grants and programs that the NEA administers are powerful examples of how the arts are a vital and valuable part of our everyday lives,” Victoria Hutter, assistant director for press/public affairs for the NEA, wrote in an e-mail to the Blade. “In communities across the nation, NEA-supported projects ensure that the arts are accessible to all Americans through arts education, healing arts and arts-based community development, as well as through projects that feature dance, music, visual arts, literature, folk and traditional arts and more.”

Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is the independent federal agency that works to give Americans the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts. Its funding is project-based and goes to thousands of nonprofits each year, along with partnerships and special arts initiatives, research and other support that contribute to the “vitality of our neighborhoods, students and schools, workplace and culture.” The NEA is the only funder, public or private, that provides equal access to the arts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, supporting artistic endeavors of all kinds.

For fiscal year 2016, the NEA’s $147.9 million budget was about .004 percent of the federal budget. About 80 percent of that appropriation is distributed as grants and awards to organizations and individuals across the country. About 40 percent is awarded directly to states while about 60 percent goes to organizations and individuals directly. About 40 percent of NEA-supported activities occurred in high-poverty neighborhoods and 33 percent went to serve low-income audiences, the NEA says.

Republican administrations have previously been suspicious of the NEA. According to the New York Times, Ronald Regan planned to eliminate the NEA when he came into office in 1981 but changed his mind. Controversies such as “Immersion (Piss Christ),” a photo by Andres Serrano that shows a crucifix photographed in a cup of urine (it was a winner in an NEA-funded art competition) have resulted in NEA funding being down from where it was in the 1990s, the New York Times reports and today’s funding for the NEA and NEH combined are less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the annual federal budget.

But to some arts organizations, NEA money can be a huge boost. There’s no gay- or LGBT-specific category of NEA grant, but LGBT artists and artists who make art with LGBT themes have long benefited from the funding.

Last year, Cincinnati Opera received a $35,000 NEA grant to support the world premiere of “Fellow Travelers,” an opera by composer Gregory Spears and librettist Greg Pierce, adapted from the novel by Thomas Mallon, that depicts 1950s life for gays in the federal government who were forced to stay in the closet or lose their jobs. It enjoyed 10 nearly sold-out performances last June and garnered strong critical reviews.

“We were planning to do this whether or not we had the NEA grant, but it definitely helped,” says Ashley Tongret, director of public relations for Cincinnati Opera. “It wasn’t the largest source of funding or even the tipping point, but it was a wonderful piece of the elaborate puzzle of fundraising that we did.”

She says the work wasn’t chosen because of its gay theme, nor does the company have any initiative dedicated to LGBT themes.

“It was the art that called to us,” Tongret says. “Greg’s music is just beautiful and touching and Greg Pierce did a wonderful job at distilling a huge novel and telling the story in a really concise way. It really was the work itself. The subject matter was not the main reason, but it was part of the tapestry.”

She says the entire production cost in the neighborhood of about $430,000. Cincinnati Opera also benefits from sustainability funding channeled through the state of Ohio, which for the last five years has come out close to the top in terms of NEA grants among state arts agencies. NEA money makes up less than half of one present of Cincinnati Operas production and artistic budget.

Other recent NEA grants that have gone to LGBT-themed work include:

• $60,000 in 2017 to Washington National Opera, part of which will be used to support performances of “Champion” by Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer, a two-act, jazz opera about welterweight boxer Emile Griffith, who was bisexual.

• $10,000 in 2017 to the Chicago Sinfonietta to support a concert program featuring works that explore issues of gender, sexuality and identity. Under the direction of Michael Morgan, David Conte’s work “Elegy for Matthew,” written in memory of hate crime victim Matthew Shepard, will be performed.

• $15,000 in 2016-2017 to Fresh Meat Productions, a San Francisco-based outfit, that plans a national tour of “The Missing Generation,” a dance work by choreographer Sean Dorsey that will “give voice to the early survivors of the AIDS epidemic.”

John Moletress, a multi-disciplinary D.C.-based gay actor/artist and founder of force/collision, has benefited from NEA grants indirectly. Organizations such as the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities fund local artists with help from the NEA in a “trickle-down” way. He says even if Trump closes the NEA spigot, queer artists will always continue.

“Queer art making has a history of marginalization which in turn has sparked a revolution of do-it-yourself rigor,” he says. “Ignite us, piss us off, turn us away and we only become individually and communally stronger.”

National Endowment of the Arts, gay news, Washington Blade

A scene from ‘Fellow Travelers.’ (Photo by Philip Groshong; courtesy Cincinnati Opera)

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Summer in the City: Free exhibits, movies, more fill D.C.’s calendar

America 250 celebrations continue

Published

18 hours ago

on

July 26, 2026

By

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in ‘Wicked,’ screening Sept. 12 at Union Market. (Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)

From late-night museum visits and outdoor jazz concerts to free movie screenings and America250 exhibitions, Washington’s summer calendar is packed with events that don’t charge admission. Here’s a look at some of the free activities happening across the District through September and beyond.

Museum exhibitions

The Renwick Gallery is presenting State Fairs: Growing American Craft, an exhibition that looks at unique and unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. It will run until Sept. 7, and admission is free. 

The Arts and Industries Building, located next to the Smithsonian Castle, is presenting the exhibition Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. The exhibition features the development of American independence and what that has meant over time, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Admission to the museum is free, and the exhibition runs until Sept. 7.

The National Gallery of Art presents Dear America, an exhibit featuring more than 100 pieces of work, including letters, photographs, and drawings that depict American landscapes and depictions of freedom. The exhibition will run until Sept. 20.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is exhibiting Burnished: Pueblo Pottery until Sept. 27. The exhibit features pottery from the Southwest, and while most of the pottery belongs to women artists, a few also reflect those who have advocated for women.

Extending past this summer, the exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa will be at the National Museum of the American Latino until July 2028. The exhibition shows how Afro-Cuban music has become a staple in the U.S. Admission is free.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will feature the exhibition District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture, which will highlight all of the ways D.C. has impacted American life. The exhibit will run until Sept. 27.

At the Folger Shakespeare Library, the exhibit Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era will be on view through Aug. 2. All the portraits on display come from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London.

The United States Botanic Garden will be open until 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, as part of America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration. The evenings will include live music, mocktails, ice cream, and snacks.

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden will have extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday until Sept. 3. 

Live performances

On Aug. 7, the postgame Nationals concert series will continue with Jordan Davis performing. To see the concert, guests just need to buy tickets to the Nationals game. 

Jazz in the Garden will run each Friday until Aug. 14. The event has free admission, but those interested have to enter a lottery due to the high demand for the event.

From May to October, Capital Harvest Market occurs every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The market features fresh foods, crafts, and recipes for unique dishes. A full list of vendors is available on Capital Harvest’s website.

Live! Concert Series on the Plaza will feature live performances at Woodrow Wilson Plaza until Sept. 25. The performances run Monday to Friday from 12-1 p.m. Admission is free to the performances. 

DowntownDC Live! at Anthem Row is running until July 30, with free performances every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The final performance will feature HUE and a vintage flea market hosted by Get Flee Marketplace. 

Located in Adams Morgan, AdMo Vibe will present live performances every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Kalorama Park. Guests are encouraged to check out Adams Morgan before and after shows, and it is an event for all ages.

Other events

Union Market is hosting drive-in movies on Aug. 8, featuring “Monsters, Inc.”, and Sept. 12, featuring “Wicked.” On Aug. 8, the parking lot will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:25 p.m. On Sept. 12, the parking lot will open at 6:35 p.m., and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf will also be available one day a month. On Aug. 12, “10 Things I Hate About You” will premiere, and on Aug. 26, “Project Hail Mary.” No tickets are necessary. 

The Library of Congress will also show movies. On Aug. 6, guests are invited to watch “Apollo 13.” The movie will be shown at 8 p.m., with additional live performances beginning at 7 p.m.

For fans of Asian media, the Okaton convention will be at Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 31-Aug. 2. Festivities will include cosplay contests, skits, live music, and panel discussions.

Washington Spirit’s season also begins in August. The Spirit is Washington’s National Women’s League, with matchups occurring between the San Diego Wave, the North Carolina Courage, the Orlando Pride, and the Bay FC.

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Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more

Published

4 days ago

on

July 23, 2026

By

Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone hosts Pride Night OUT on Sunday, Aug. 23. (Photo courtesy of Washington Spirit)

Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.

Dining

Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.

New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:

  • Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
  • The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
  • Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
  • Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.

Sports

  • Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements. 
  • Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.

Festivals

  • Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
  • Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods. 
  • The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
  • All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
  • Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.

Art and Music

  • United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club. 
  • The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
  • Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
  • ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
  • 2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
  • Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
  • Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.
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Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event

Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema

Published

6 days ago

on

July 21, 2026

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Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.

Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.

 O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.

 “I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”

O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.

“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”

The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination. 

The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.

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