• We Strengthen the Economy.

  North Dakota’s cultural sector generates over $1.3 billion annually and supports thousands of jobs statewide. Investing in the arts and humanities boosts local economies, from rural towns to urban centers.

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• We Address Legitimate Concerns About Washington.

  Concerns about inefficiencies and partisanship at the national level are real—and they highlight the need to shift resources back to the states, where accountability and impact are strongest. Cuts to the National Endowment to the Humanities (NEH) should not be made at the local level.

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• We Reflect the Values of North Dakota.

  In a conservative state like ours, the state humanities council plays a vital role in ensuring viewpoint diversity and delivering nonpartisan civic education that resonates with our communities.

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• We Know Our Communities.

  Decisions made by federal agencies—especially by those unfamiliar with our state—risk undermining cultural institutions that are deeply connected to North Dakota’s way of life.

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• We Promote Civil Dialogue.

  While incivility discourages many public officials from hosting town halls, we’re creating spaces where respectful, good-faith conversations can thrive—across differences.​

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• We’re Preparing for America’s 250th Anniversary. 
  Our upcoming programs include public readings of the Declaration of Independence, living history events, and civic education for all ages—highlighting our shared democratic legacy.

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• We Are Locally Led and Locally Accountable. 
  With up to 25% of our board appointed by the governor and all programs designed by North Dakotans, we remain closely tied to the people we serve.