The National Endowment for the Arts keeps our nations arts alive and thriving. Their support allows individuals of all ages to step foot in influential museums and have an opportunity to interact with revolutionary art. Art education keeps our nation intellectually engaged and provides our society with the creativity it needs. The NEA is the voice of the art community and if that voice is silenced where will the future of the arts stand? I am an Art History major at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and art has been the driving force in my life. I went to an elementary school here in Virginia with an incredible music, art, and cultural program. I was exposed to art and culture at a very young age. It has become my lifelong passion and I have dedicated my life to the power of art. Art speaks for us. Art is what keeps our achievements alive once we've passed on. The art world needs the NEA and those who work for the NEA believe in the potency of art and our cultural legacy. I will never stop creating art. This country and the arts need the NEA. Cutting their funding would disrespect and disrupt centuries of artistic achievement. Protect the Arts! Save the NEA!