KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A local nonprofit dedicated to fostering community through the arts is reeling after the sudden withdrawal of federal funding and the looming threat of state-level budget cuts that could dismantle a key public arts agency.

Arts Alive, based in Keene, recently learned that a $25,000 grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) earlier this year has been rescinded. The grant, which was intended to support the conceptual design of a new community arts center in the Monadnock Region, had initially been highlighted in the NEA’s national announcement of 2025 grantees.

The abrupt reversal came, according to the nonprofit, after NEA officials said the project no longer aligned with the agency’s “revised priorities,” a shift influenced by executive orders issued under the Trump administration. These directives have placed new constraints on the kinds of programming eligible for federal funds—specifically, initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity.

“…We were excited to make space in our busy programmatic calendar to take on a project that would have increased arts community access to affordable and accessible spaces to create, teach, and bring folks together,” wrote Arts Alive director, Jessica Iris, in a news release.

The arts center project had drawn broad community support, including endorsements from Keene Pride, the Keene Multicultural Center, local educators, musicians, dancers, and artists across disciplines. Plans envisioned studios, practice rooms, workshops, gallery and performance spaces—resources in short supply in the rural Monadnock area.

But now, without the NEA’s backing and facing similar challenges at the state level, the future of such projects is uncertain. The New Hampshire House has proposed eliminating the State Council on the Arts entirely—a body that provided $1.5 million to artists and cultural organizations last year. Arts Alive was counting on roughly $55,000 in combined federal and state funds to sustain operations and project work.

Iris traveled to Concord this month to advocate for the council’s survival, describing the current landscape as an urgent crisis for the arts in New Hampshire.

“Public funding for the arts is under attack,” she said in the release.

Founded in 2007, Arts Alive supports artists, arts organizations, and creative economy initiatives throughout the Monadnock Region. Its programs include Discover Monadnock, a platform to promote regional cultural events, and mini-grants for underserved artists. The nonprofit also provides fiscal sponsorship and technical assistance for emerging creative ventures.

At the heart of the organization’s work is a commitment to the belief that “access to art, culture, and creativity is a human right”—a principle now colliding with political forces reshaping how public dollars can be spent.

In response, Arts Alive is rallying community members and allies to help sustain its mission. The nonprofit is seeking new board members, volunteers, and donors to contribute time, space, and financial support as it navigates the months ahead.

The organization is taking time to reflect, regroup, and act collectively, Iris said.

Those interested in supporting Arts Alive can reach the organization at office@monadnockartsalive.org or visit supportartsalive.org for more information and to make a donation.