Pop icon Lady Gaga has been named as one of the co-chairs of the Biden administration’s re-established President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH). Gaga, known for her support of LGBTQ+ rights, will be joining acclaimed film producer Bruce Cohen, as well as 24 other members, which includes other well-known names such as actor George Clooney and singer-songwriter Jon Batiste.
The committee, which was disbanded in 2017 after former President Donald Trump failed to condemn a violent white supremacist rally, “Unite the Right”, has now been reinstated after President Biden signed an executive order in 2022. The order stated that it is the policy of his administration to advance the cultural vitality of the United States by promoting the arts, the humanities, and museum and library services.
PCAH was first established in 1982 and has since advised the President on all matters regarding cultural policy, including the creation of federal programs, the creative economy, and the advancement of arts and humanities education. Due to 17 members exiting the board, which included openly gay actor Kal Penn, the 45th President and his administration dissolved the group officially.
The committee’s newly appointed members have expressed excitement and optimism towards the positive impact they can make on the arts, libraries, museums, and public humanities work in communities across the country. PCAH’s executive director Tsione Wolde-Michael said, “With this group of dedicated leaders and an Executive Order that expands PCAH’s mission, the committee is positioned to do meaningful work that will positively impact the arts, libraries, museums, and public humanities work in communities across the country.”
Lady Gaga’s appointment as co-chair has made LGBT history and reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to inclusivity and representation. The arts, the humanities, and museum and library services are essential to the well-being, health, vitality, and democracy of the United States, and with the establishment of the PCAH, the country can continue to advance and promote cultural vitality.