CREATIVE Act of 2025

The "CREATIVE Act of 2025" amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to establish the Creative Economy Revitalization and Workforce Development Program . This program aims to increase job opportunities for artists and creative professionals, while also improving the quality and availability of arts facilities and related programming. The Secretary of Commerce will award competitive grants to eligible entities, offering three distinct types. These include hiring and production grants up to $5 million for employing professionals and supporting projects, construction and acquisition grants up to $3 million for new facilities with a commitment to full-time employment, and maintenance and improvement grants up to $3 million for existing facilities, also requiring a commitment to gainful employment. An eligible entity may receive only one grant under this program. Applications must detail proposed uses, community access, and outreach efforts to low-income, disabled, and underrepresented individuals, ensuring diverse governance. Priority is given to entities in communities with limited arts access, those supporting linguistically and culturally diverse populations, and organizations demonstrating financial hardship or located in rural areas. Further priority is given for improving access for people with disabilities and furthering arts education. Grant recipients must attest to upholding existing collective bargaining agreements, adhering to labor standards, and providing healthy, safe working conditions, alongside ensuring gainful employment. The bill authorizes $700,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with reservations for rural communities and maintenance grants. Funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, non-Federal sources, with accountability measures in place.