If you’re not watching the current debate about the proposed Federal economic stimulus package, especially as it relates to arts and culture, you’re missing an important bit of theater. Most will know that the initial proposal includes a $50 million allocation to the National Endowment for the Arts, which has brought arts and culture into the conversation about what activities stimulate economic activity, and what activities are just along for the ride.<\/p>\n
Says Bob Lynch at Americans for the Arts<\/a>:<\/p>\n ”The arts are a prime vehicle for job creation and a valued economic Says Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common “<\/span>I’m sure the arts have been hit hard by the The National Endowment for the Arts has posted links<\/a> to studies and resources that suggest how artists are part of the workforce, arts organizations provide some of the spending that supports local economies, and how the NEA is positioned to distribute stimulus funds effectively.<\/p>\n
\ndistribution mechanism. The country’s more than 4,000 local and state
\narts agencies have nearly 50 years of proven history as good stewards
\nof our tax dollars and can ensure speedy disbursement to local
\nprojects, along with the excellent direct distribution track record of
\nthe NEA itself.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nSense in this L.A. Times<\/i> article<\/a>:<\/p>\n
\ndownturn of the economy…. But it is hard to make the argument that it is stimulative. The
\nraw politics is that the arts spending provides a bull’s eye for
\ncritics to ridicule and criticize the entire package.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n