When Johnson birthed the NEA and the NEH, the budgets were tiny. {The NEH began life in 1966 with an appropriation of $5.9 million, and the NEA $2.9 million.} Under Richard Nixon, both budgets increased exponentially, and two of the NEA's strongest leaders were Republican appointees: Nancy Hanks, who served under Nixon and Gerald Ford, and Gioia, who served under George W. Bush.
When President Johnson established the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), their initial funding was quite limited, with the NEH starting in 1966 with $5.9 million and the NEA at $2.9 million. However, during Richard Nixon's presidency, both organizations experienced significant funding increases. This growth laid the groundwork for a broader cultural investment in the arts and humanities in the United States.
Notably, strong leadership within the NEA came from Republican appointees, highlighting a bipartisan commitment to the arts. Nancy Hanks, who held her position under Nixon and Ford, and Gioia, appointed by George W. Bush, played crucial roles in expanding the influence and reach of these institutions, demonstrating that support for the arts transcended party lines during their tenures.
