The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that offers support and funding for projects exhibiting artistic excellence. The NEA was created by an act of the U.S. Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. Its mission is to promote artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA supports a wide range of artistic disciplines, including literature, visual arts, music, theater, and dance. The agency provides grants to artists and organizations, sponsors research and publications, and offers technical assistance and other resources to artists and arts organizations across the country.