Urgent support needed to preserve Iowa’s cultural infrastructure

Heather Plucar, Executive Director of Humanities Iowa

On April 2, Humanities Iowa was among all state humanities councils nationwide notified that federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities has been terminated — effective immediately. This unprecedented decision jeopardizes the immediate future of humanities programming across the state and threatens to dismantle decades of cultural and educational progress.

This is a devastating blow not just to Humanities Iowa, but to every Iowan who values history, literacy, the arts and civic dialogue. Our programs serve as lifelines for rural communities, underserved populations and anyone seeking to better understand our shared human experience. We urgently need public support to survive.

Earlier this year, Humanities Iowa was officially named Iowa’s state partner of the NEH, a designation that would have unlocked critical multi-year federal funding. That partnership—and all future support — is now in jeopardy.

At the recommendation of the Department of Government Efficiency, at least 600 NEH grants across the country have been rescinded or revoked. Humanities Iowa’s core operating support and grantmaking abilities are among those being terminated.

The consequences are immediate and severe:

• Grants, programs and staff positions will be eliminated by April 30.
• Rural libraries, museums and cultural nonprofits that rely on Humanities Iowa grants will lose vital seed funding.
• Original programming including literacy and intergenerational learning programs supported by Humanities Iowa will be discontinued.

These cuts threaten more than institutions — they threaten the very stories, values and identities that connect Iowans.

For more than four decades, Humanities Iowa has elevated the voices and histories of Iowans from all walks of life. Its work spans literature, history, journalism, philosophy, art, political science, linguistics, religious studies, and theater. Staff and board members include scholars from Regent universities, leaders of statewide museum and library associations, youth advocates, and cultural organizers committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Last week, Humanities Iowa joined with partners including CultureALL, Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, Iowa Cultural Coalition, Iowa Library Association, Iowa Museum Association, Voices Productions, and Tolerance Week to raise awareness of the funding crisis and call for immediate action.

Humanities Iowa is encouraging the public to take action by advocating or donating to their local humanities institutions or Humanities Iowa. To make a donation or learn more, visit https://humanitiesiowa.org 

Heather Plucar is Executive Director of Humanities Iowa. The mission of Humanities Iowa is to explore and celebrate the diverse people, communities, cultures and stories of Iowa.