Mary Anne Carter appointed Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

Mary Anne Carter serves as the 14th chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), returning to the role after previously leading the agency during President Donald J. Trump’s first term. In her earlier tenure, she worked to make the NEA more accessible to the American people, directing an expansion of Creative Forces (a creative arts therapy program for U.S. service members and veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and other psychological health conditions) and bolstering many of its national initiatives, including Shakespeare in American Communities, NEA Big Read, and Poetry Out Loud. 

“I am once again deeply honored to serve as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Carter. “I am committed to advancing the vision that the arts belong to all Americans, no matter who they are or where they live. The arts are essential to creating, innovating, healing, and recovery, and they provide vital economic stability to communities across the nation. I look forward to the many celebrations that will take place in 2026 in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, as well as to the agency’s continued research into the powerful role the arts play in healing—from illness to trauma to natural disasters.”

“The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) applauds the nomination of Mary Anne Carter to be the next chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The NEA and state arts agencies share a vital federal-state partnership that expands access to the arts nationwide. The agency grew under Carter’s leadership from 2017–2021, investing in every Congressional district. She has proven to be an excellent steward of federal arts resources, supporting efforts that foster good health and well-being, strengthen communities, and preserve our heritage for future generations. NASAA and state arts agencies look forward to continuing this partnership so every community is strengthened through the arts.”
   —Pam Breaux,  President and CEO of NASAA

“Congratulations to Mary Anne Carter on her confirmation as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. "Mary Anne brings a deep understanding of the arts ecosystem and a commitment to public service and cultural stewardship. The NEA is essential to our nation, reaching every corner of America by supporting programs—from rural arts initiatives and veterans’ healing programs to youth education, local festivals, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. We look forward to Chairman Carter’s steady, thoughtful leadership guiding this vital agency into its next chapter."
   —Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts

“Mary Anne Carter is a proven leader who understands that the arts are not a luxury — they are a vital economic and social pillar of a thriving America. At The Creative Coalition, protecting and expanding the Right to Bear Arts—the opportunity for every American to access and benefit from the arts—is our top priority. Mary Anne’s record reflects an unwavering, hands-on dedication to advancing that mission.”
   —Robin Bronk, CEO, The Creative Coalition

Photo courtesy of National Endowment for the Arts