I think it is past the time when we still say “Happy New Year,” but I cannot resist the greeting. Maybe it is my way of continuously starting anew. As we enter 2025, we remain so grateful for your support of our beloved institution. Your generosity helps us do all the magical things we do, from curating exhibitions to hosting events that make us all feel a little more connected to the wonders of the world.
In this rapidly changing world, I truly believe that the arts are more important than ever. The recent attempt to freeze all federal grant funding is back in the courts and as our supporters, it is worth exploring together the impact of such a move. Government funding for the arts is crucial. Really crucial. If we want to continue to bring you new, thought-provoking exhibitions, feature groundbreaking artists, and create the kind of cultural conversations that make us feel alive, we need to ensure that our government is fully on board with supporting the arts.
Former President Jimmy Carter famously said, “No matter how democratic a government may be, no matter how responsive to the wishes of its people, it can never be government’s role to define exactly what is good or true or beautiful. Instead, government must limit itself to nourishing the ground in which art and the love of art can grow.”
SLOMA has been the fortunate recipient of government support through the federal, state, and local levels. These grants brought young kids to the Museum, helped build engaging exhibitions for California artists, and created free public programs that nurtured the creative spirit that makes the Central Coast the vibrant place we all love.
Currently, your Museum of Art receives funding from one federal granting agency: the Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency that champions lifelong learning, community engagement, and public service by supporting our nation’s museums and libraries. This three-year grant specifically funds the Museum’s outreach to the most underserved communities in our region through free art events, curriculum support for our hardworking teachers, and youth programming. As the only art museum in San Luis Obispo County and the most active museum in the region, we have an enormous job to do in serving all our communities. The rigor that was required to be awarded such an important grant is something that should make us all proud of what SLOMA can do.
Losing federal funding for the arts would be catastrophic. Without it, we risk losing access to the very institutions that help foster creativity, build community, drive our local economies, and elevate our shared human experience. That’s not just a loss for art lovers like us—that’s a loss for everyone.
So, what can we do? We can keep advocating, we can keep voicing our support for the arts in every possible way. If you’ve ever been moved by a piece of music, a book, a painting, or a public art installation (who remembers how Through the Flowers moved us all during the early days of COVID?), then it’s time to make some noise. You can contact your local representatives, sign petitions, or become a member of your local nonprofits. Showing your support can be as simple as bringing your friends and family to a SLOMA event (see what we have coming up!).
At SLOMA, we believe ART MATTERS. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
With gratitude,
Leann Standish
SLOMA Executive Director