Trump cuts hit Austin arts scene

Driving the news: The groups include Zach Theatre; Grammy-winning vocal group Conspirare; Austin Film Festival; American Short Fiction magazine; Latinitas; and African drum and dance troupe Lannaya, per reporting from the Austin Chronicle.

• Austin Film Festival, Austin Film Society and Zach told the Chronicle they will be appealing the decision.

Catch up quick: The administration in February said it would prioritize grants to arts organizations that "celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence."

• NEA gets about $200 million in federal funding each year, which it disburses to orchestras, theater groups, literary magazines, museums, painters and countless other cultural and state groups.

What they're saying: "Losing this funding represents not just a financial challenge, but a blow to the arts ecosystem in Austin and to the cultural fabric of our country," Zach managing director Jamie Herlich said in a statement.

• "Government funding is a lifeline for the arts," Austin Film Society's Maury Sullivan told the Chronicle, adding that the group's $70,000 grant for the current fiscal year and the $35,000 grant for 2026 have been canceled.

What's next: Recipients were given seven days to appeal the decision, meaning most groups have until Friday to appeal the decision.