On May 2 — ironically during a joyful, sold-out edition of our spring Big Broadway Sing-Along — we received official notice that our current National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant has been terminated, effective May 31, 2025.
This decision reflects a significant shift in the NEA’s funding priorities, moving away from direct support for arts programming like ours and aligning instead with federal directives that, unfortunately, have little to do with the arts:
The NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities. The NEA will now prioritize projects that elevate the Nation’s HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions, celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI competency, empower houses of worship to serve communities, assist with disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs, make America healthy again, support the military and veterans, support Tribal communities, make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful, and support the economic development of Asian American communities. Funding is being allocated in a new direction in furtherance of the Administration’s agenda.
Your project, as noted below, unfortunately does not align with these priorities:
Purpose: To support the Alley Sessions, a free, multidisciplinary performance series.
What This Means for the Cabaret
- The terminated grant provided $20,000—about half the budget—for our 2024 Alley free summer concert series, which celebrates the diversity and creativity of our city. We received these grant funds in February 2025 as reimbursement for the 2024 program. This week, we appealed this determination and have submitted the required Federal Financial Report. While we do not expect to be required to return the funds, we are working closely with legal counsel and our banking partners to ensure full compliance and safeguard our resources in this rapidly evolving environment.
- We also have a pending $20,000 NEA grant application for continued support of The Alley. However, given the termination of our current grant, the new NEA priorities, and the President’s proposal to eliminate both the NEA and NEH in the next budget cycle, we do not expect this or future NEA funding to be approved.
Broader Impact & Our Response
- This loss is part of a broader and deeply concerning trend. By 2026, The Cabaret is bracing for up to $80,000 in annual government funding losses due to confirmed and anticipated cuts at the NEA and the cascading impacts at state and local levels. This represents approximately 10% of our annual contributed income. The $20,000 grant that was canceled was project support for The Alley. The remaining government funds (up to $60,000 annually) provide essential general operating support.
- While we anticipated this possibility based on federal actions over the past 100+ days, it was still shocking to see it in writing—especially the new funding criteria that largely exclude arts and culture. In addition to the significant financial impact, we grieve the loss of federal recognition for the crucial emotional, educational, and economic value that the arts bring to our country. This is a blow not only to us but to countless organizations and artists nationwide.
The terminated grant provided $20,000—about half the budget—for our 2024 Alley free summer concert series, which celebrates the diversity and creativity of our city.
Our Commitment to Persevere
- Since January, we have been preparing for this possibility by developing contingency plans and actively seeking new funding sources. Our advocacy efforts will continue at the local, state, and federal levels as we collectively work to restore essential public support for the arts, humanities, museums, libraries, public media, and more.
- 2025 marks the 5th anniversary of The Alley Sessions, and we remain fully committed to delivering joyful, inclusive, and free summer programming for our community. Last year, The Alley Sessions featured 65 local performing and visual artists, served a record 1,310 in-person audience members, and inspired 80,000 more through live broadcasts on WICR 88.7 FM. We’re planning an exciting line-up for 2025 that will be announced in late May. We’ll continue to offer four free outdoor concerts via our signature pop-up festival Alley experience on Fridays, July 25, August 1, 8, and 15, 2025.
A Message of Solidarity and Gratitude
- We know we are not alone. Our hearts are with colleagues—locally and across the country—who are also affected by this abrupt and harmful shift. We are deeply grateful for the generosity, encouragement, and unwavering belief in our mission shown by our supporters. Your passion and kindness sustain us. As we navigate this challenging time, we are counting on increased support from those who can help us continue to move forward.
- Staying true to the history and unique strengths of the cabaret art form, we are called to create a safe and essential space for artists and audiences to remain connected while escaping and exploring the urgent themes of our time. As we’ve co-created our strategy with input from staff and key stakeholders, we’ve reflected on the history of cabaret and recognize an opportunity and need to embrace this truth through our work in 2025:More than mere entertainment, cabaret is an art of presence—one that lingers long after the last note fades, providing audiences with a sense of genuine connection, as though they have been personally seen and understood—not merely as spectators, but as participants in the experience.
- In a time of numerous urgent social needs and priorities, we believe our role and responsibility is to serve as a safe place for respite, reflection, connection, and joy for artists and audiences. We believe music is medicine, and the experiences we provide act as an antidote to today’s pervasive feelings of loneliness, division, and isolation—bringing people together and instilling a sense of community, connection, and care.
How You Can Help
- We are currently seeking sponsors and philanthropic contributions for the 2025 Alley Sessions. Additionally, we are establishing a special fund to help bridge the budget gap created by current and anticipated government funding cuts. For questions or more information, please contact Julie Goodman at julie@thecabaret.org or 317-426-5030. Or, make a donation online at THECABARET.ORG/GIVE.
Thank you for standing with us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or suggestions, and watch for announcements about this summer’s Alley Sessions and our 2025 Fall-Winter Season soon.
![One year ago, on May 10 & 11, 2024, The Cabaret had the privilege of hosting what would become Gavin Creel’s last-ever solo show – an evening filled with his trademark warmth, talent, and heart. None of us could have known that we were witnessing such a profoundly meaningful moment, just months before his passing due to a sudden and brave battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
As we approach the anniversary of his final solo show, it is with the heartfelt encouragement and blessing of Gavin’s team that we humbly release some highlights from that unforgettable performance. His joy, energy, and deep connection with the audience should be experienced by all, and it is an honor to share these moments with you.
We invite you to view this tribute of performance videos, photos, and mementos on our website at THECABARET.ORG/GAVINCREELTRIBUTE. [Link in bio.]
We hope these glimpses of Gavin’s final solo show bring comfort and joy to everyone who misses him. We certainly do.](https://www.thecabaret.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)