The FY26 bill is endangering funding for arts programs, which is putting the continuation of Las Vegas’ top youth orchestra and others at risk. When these cuts take effect, current statistics suggest that Vegas’ economy will decline. They will also leave currently funded arts programs stuck trying to find ways to substantially support their businesses.
The Dr. Shirley Linzy Young Artists Orchestra of Las Vegas (YAO) is one example of these affected programs, and it could struggle to gain its usual revenue during its next season.
YAO receives its funds from the NEA and the Nevada Arts Council (NAC), which is also funded by the NEA. These programs typically fund YAO between $30,000 to $50,000 each year.
Between its 2024-2025 season, the orchestra received $42,600, with $25,000 from the NEA, and $17,000 from the NAC.
This granted money is used to pay faculty, guest artists, and to create special new programs and events for its audience. YAO also spends these funds on concert halls such as the Smiths Center to host its annual end of the season performance.
However, with the NEA already terminating grants to several programs across the country, YAO could be the next. The guarantee of YAO receiving grants for its 11th season is currently unknown, and a loss of funds would impact how the program continues to run in the future.
Because YAO is a non-profit organization that doesn’t charge any tuition fee, a large portion of its income depends on federal programs such as the NEA. Without the money, they won’t be able to rent out concert halls, invite special guest artists, and overall may struggle to sustain its number of performances.
YAO has introduced several ways to combat this, such as offering advertising opportunities and hosting raffle ticket opportunities for its audience. However, the amount of money gained from these would still not be an adequate substitute for the loss of funds.
Some people may question the importance of keeping art programs like YAO. For Las Vegas, YAO is the only non-profit, tuition free orchestra program available to children ages 8-22. Without it, aspiring musicians will lose opportunities to learn and connect with other players around the city. Furthermore, the thousands of people who attend its concerts will miss the opportunity to hear varieties of music from different cultural backgrounds and periods. Programs like YAO are important, not only because of its musical significance, but it also serves as an example of what Vegas civilians can do when we all work together.
While it can be argued these cuts are financially efficient, military and defense budgets—the largest portion of the nation’s budget—will also be increasing by 13.4% next year. Statistically speaking, such a large rise in spending may be defeating the purpose of these cuts in the first place.
Without the maintenance of our arts programs, Vegas will lose a lot of its importance and culture. Considering all perspectives, ask yourself this question: Is removing our arts programs really worth it?
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