NEA requests $200 million for arts in 2010

The Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 placed an extra $50 million into arts projects around the country, a “lifeline” to many non-profit groups supporting communities and education projects. However, many opponents have spoken out against projects, such as rebuilding theaters, calling this spending “ear-marked” and “pork-barreled.” The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment & Related Agencies held a hearing today to discuss the value of investing in the arts; the overwhelming agreement was that this investment is of utmost importance, as Rep. Platts (R- Pa.) explained, “The arts enrich and improve the lives of all who encounter them.”

Historically, federal funding for the arts steadily increased, reaching an all-time high in 1992 with $176 million. Since then this funding has declined. The current FY2009 budget for arts is $155 million. The hearing today proposed increasing the federal allocation for the arts to $200 million in 2010.

The hearing focused on art’s benefits to many aspects of life. Testimonies were provided on how art improves communities, individual lives, and education; in addition, it was stated that art has economic benefits of creating appealing places to live and conduct business, generating jobs and investments. “The arts must not be taken for granted,” explained Robert Lynch of Americans for the Arts, “they are not only integral to our lives but to our economy.”

Grammy nominated musician Josh Groban provided testimony, explaining the fundamental value of supporting arts education. “Learning piano isn’t just about being able to produce notes in a melodic and harmonic structure... It is about the personal discipline that is hours of practice. Trust me on this one, there is no better place than the theatrical production to test the characteristics of humility, work ethic, patience, the value of teamwork, and commitment to a common goal. We have only our current financial situation to turn to for an examination of what happens when those values are not learned.”

Leading Entertainers Fight for Art Funding

The National Endowment for the Arts testified in front of Congress today to discuss appropriations for the 2009 fiscal year. President Bush has lowered the amount given to the arts and the NEA, and supporters are lobbying for support in restoring the funding level to $176 million, a recorded high from 1992.

A panel of speakers was present including Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of American for Arts, Mayor Mufi Hannemann of Honolulu, acclaimed actress Kerry Washington, five-time Grammy winner John Legend and Academy Award-winner and activist Robert Redford. All were on hand to offer their stories and how the arts influenced them in where they are today.

Lynch pronounced at the end of his testimony that "a great nation deserves great art" while John Legend offered his musical education as a way to keep him grounded. Coming from a musical family, Legend also said that music was a way to stay away from trouble. Kerry Washington and Robert Redford spoke for an extended period of time with Robert Redford offering an account on his childhood. Redford stated that in his childhood, he was accused of being "dumb" due to his personality, but he ended up finding his calling in the arts which has led to him being one of the most prominent figures in the arts today.

Furthermore, testimony given showed the relationship of arts to the stimulation of a society and economy. Attention was also given to the furthering of arts programs nationally and internationally including reading and general education programs.