HR 6165 - Arts and Creative Workforce Development Act
Overview
Bill Number: HR 6165
Title: To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to establish a grant program to increase job opportunities for artists and creative professionals, improve the quality and availability of arts facilities and arts-related programming, and for other purposes.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced: November 20, 2025
Purpose and Intent
The Arts and Creative Workforce Development Act aims to support and expand employment opportunities for artists, creative professionals, and arts-related organizations across the United States. The bill recognizes the significant economic and cultural contributions of the arts and creative sectors, and seeks to invest in their growth and development through targeted federal grants and programs.
Key Provisions
- Establishes a new grant program within the Economic Development Administration to provide funding for:
- Creating and expanding job opportunities for artists, designers, performers, and other creative workers
- Improving the quality, accessibility, and availability of arts facilities, studios, and performance spaces
- Developing and expanding arts-related educational programs, workforce training, and professional development
- Authorizes $500 million in annual appropriations for the grant program over a 5-year period
- Requires grant recipients to provide matching funds and demonstrate how projects will create sustainable jobs and economic growth in their communities
- Directs the Department of Commerce to conduct a nationwide assessment of the arts and creative workforce, including employment trends, skills gaps, and barriers to entry
Affected Parties and Impacts
- Artists, designers, performers, and other creative professionals would gain access to new job opportunities and workforce development resources
- Arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community arts programs would be able to improve their facilities, programming, and service delivery
- Local and regional economies would benefit from the economic activity and job creation generated by a thriving arts and creative sector
- Students and aspiring creative workers would have expanded educational and training options to pursue arts-related careers
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
HR 6165 was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 20, 2025 and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration. If passed by the House, the bill would then move to the Senate for further review and potential amendments before a final vote. If enacted, the new grant program would be implemented over the course of the 5-year authorization period, with the first round of funding expected to be awarded within 12-18 months of the bill becoming law.
