Introduction

By supporting the state arts agencies (SAAs) and regional arts organizations (RAOs) through Partnership Agreements, the National Endowment for the Arts makes the arts available in more communities than it could through direct grants. The Arts Endowment, SAAs, and RAOs work toward the following common goals:

• Access to Artistic Excellence: To foster and preserve excellence in the arts and provide access to the arts for all Americans.
• Learning in the Arts: To advance learning in the arts for children and youth.
• Partnerships for the Arts: To develop and maintain partnerships that advance the mission of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Partnership Agreement support is available in the following areas:

State Arts Agencies

• Basic State Plan
• Arts Education
• Arts in Underserved Communities
• Challenge America: Reaching Every Community

Regional Arts Organizations

• Basic Regional Plan
• NEA Regional Performing Arts Touring Program, a Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Initiative

In addition, limited funds are available for national services that are provided by membership organizations of state arts agencies and regional arts organizations.

National Endowment for the Arts
webmgr@arts.endow.gov