In the woods, a line of folks carry a string/stick together.
Above:

National Theater Project-supported Mondo Bizarro's "Invisible Rivers" | photo by Bruce France

Supporting a thriving, creative future

NEFA invests in artists and communities and fosters equitable access to the arts, enriching the cultural landscape in New England and the nation.

Our Vision and Values
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NEFA Summer Hours

NEFA is closed Fridays August 15, 22, and 29. Thank you for your patience as we operate in support of staff rest.

Grantmaking for art making. What will you create?

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Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines

NEFA offers grants to artists and organizations to support the creation and presentation of work. 

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New England Dance Fund

September 12
The New England Dance Fund awards grants to New England-based choreographers of all genres and backgrounds who identify an opportunity that will advance their careers in dance.

Public Art Learning Fund

October 14
The Public Art Learning Fund aims to strengthen the field of public art in New England by providing professional development support directly to artists.

New England States Touring (NEST) Grant

December 1
Funds nonprofit organizations to present touring artists in venues across New England.

Public Art for Spatial Justice

December 2
Supports public art that creatively expresses and embodies a more just version of what’s possible in public.

New England Presenter Travel Fund

Rolling Deadline
Presenter Travel Fund enhances the performing arts in the region by supporting travel costs associated with researching artistic work that may eventually be presented in New England.
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What's happening

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Advocacy

Amplify your Voice: Support Federal Investment in the Arts & Humanities

NEFA values public commitment to the arts and culture sector as vital to a just, healthy civic life and a robust democracy, and an essential leverage for private investment in the arts. We invite you to join us, as a member of the Cultural Advocacy Group, in this call to action for federal support
In the frame of the brick design of a small old mill, a wheatpaste mural. The design of the mural is indistinguishable from this wide shot showing the whole building.
Public Art

Making it Public: Wheatpaste Murals in Montague, MA

In 2024, staff from the town of Montague, MA, participated in the 2024 Making it Public for Massachusetts Municipalities cohort trainings that focused on developing more fair and transparent practices for supporting public artmaking. After participating in the series of trainings, each municipality
In a courtroom, a woman sits behind a table and before a group of folks.
Advocacy

State and Regional Sector Leaders Testify on $2.8M in Terminated NEA, NEH, and IMLS Grants

This article originally appeared on MASSCreative's blog. Read it on MASSCreative.org BOSTON (7/16/25) - On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability held an oversight hearing by invitation to learn how recent federal funding cuts and the proposed
Arts and Culture Accessibility Hub logo has a house-like shape in rainbow color outline.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility
Professional Development

Arts Access Hub: A New Resource for Cultural Accessibility

NEFA welcomes New England's cultural sector to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26) and Disability Pride Month by watching this webinar with our colleagues at Open Door Arts. Open Door Arts shared an inside look at the Arts Access Hub—a groundbreaking, free
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Fostering regional, national, and international connections

CreativeGround

CreativeGround spotlights the creative people and places at work in New England: cultural nonprofits like libraries and theaters, creative businesses like recording studios and design agencies, and artists of all disciplines such as performing arts, visual arts, and crafts.

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Center Stage

Center Stage is among the most successful programs to bring contemporary international performing artists into direct contact with people across a wide range of U.S. communities, and to share these experiences globally.

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