This bill would change a part of the Higher Education Act that gives grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It adds new, allowable uses for those grant funds focused on arts, arts education, and cultural programs. New items include financial help for arts students, outreach and development for arts departments, wraparound services like mentoring and career advising, care and protection of Black art collections, and paid apprenticeships, internships, and fellowships. The bill also allows HBCUs to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to carry out these activities and defines "arts" to include many art forms.
No publicly available information on new funding amounts or estimated costs. The bill changes what existing grant funds may be used for but does not specify dollar amounts or new appropriations in the provided text.
The bill's findings say the arts strengthen the economy and communities, that many museums and arts fields lack racial diversity, and that HBCUs have a history of supporting Black art and artists. The sponsors argue HBCUs are well placed to train art professionals and preserve Black art, and that adding arts uses to HBCU strengthening grants can help students access affordable arts education and protect cultural works.
No publicly available information.