Cultural Agencies Slated for Gains in Bush Budget

Federal cultural agencies and museums received news of increased support yesterday from the White House in the proposed budget for fiscal 2008, reports The Washington Post. Among the Bush administration proposals directed at cultural organizations, the largest was an appropriation of $678.4-million for the Smithsonian Institution’s complex of museums, in Washington.

The Smithsonian’s federal allocation this fiscal year, which is still pending final approval by Congress, is expected to be $637-million.

In the president’s 2008 proposal, the National Endowment for the Arts would receive $128.4-million; and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts would get $39.3-million.

Other organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services may receive increases as well if the proposals are passed.

Read The Chronicle’s coverage of the Bush administration’s budget proposals.

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