A memo from Friends of Newport Harbor...

A memo from Friends of Newport Harbor Art Museum has been sent to the museum’s membership asking them to “support President Bush’s efforts to preserve the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities and the Institute for Museum Services.”

Although it does not appear on museum letterhead, the memo was initiated by museum staff, approved by the board of trustees and paid for with private contributions. Spokeswoman Maxine Gaiber said that the document represents “the majority view” at the museum and that restrictions on political lobbying by nonprofit institutions account for the unofficial appearance of the memo.

The charters of these agencies--both founded 25 years ago--must be reauthorized by Congress every five years. The NEA is the subject of heated controversy in Congress, in which conservative opposition wants to eliminate federal funding for the arts or at least place content restrictions on Endowment grantees.