The arts community is reeling as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) begins terminating grants in response to a proposed budget that seeks to eliminate the agency altogether. Numerous cultural institutions across the country, including theaters, film festivals, and art organizations in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Austin, have experienced sudden funding cuts that threaten their operations and upcoming events. Officials have resigned from the NEA, citing the drastic changes under the current administration. The loss of federal support is prompting organizations to seek community assistance and crowdfunding to remain viable amid these challenges. The move has incited widespread outrage and disappointment among artists and cultural leaders who see it as a catastrophic blow to the arts sector.