This week, we’re taking a good look at how the arts impact our social and cultural lives. A musical performance presented by the Philadelphia Orchestra observes how conductor Dalia Stasevska wrestles with the conflict in Ukraine when the words don’t come to mind to help express complex thoughts and feelings. Then, with NEA grants being revoked, arts organizations speak up on the matter, as the NEA now is prioritizing funding for projects that “celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI competency … assist with disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs [and] make America healthy again.” And that’s not the only way we’re seeing loss, as Philly’s proposed 2026 budget cuts reveal unfortunate truths behind the numbers
Hope isn’t lost, but it sure is being pushed out the front door these days. We can’t let that happen.
Kyle V. Hiller
BSR associate editor
