National Endowment for the Arts
Thomas Jefferson explained:
I don't recall reading in the Constitution that the Federal Government is supposed to support the 'arts'. I like art, different kinds of art, going to museums, etc... but I don't see why the FEDERAL government should take the money of taxpayers from around the entire nation and fund individual artisits based on the criteria of some commission. Art is in the eye of the beholder, as is beauty. Now we have federally 'approved' art that many people like and many people DON'T like.
James Madison also wrote:
ART = Object of Benevolence (i.e. there is the saying that goes something like this - "To feed a starving artist, buy a painting")
Lets look at how the 'we' the taxpayers are funding art.
We allowed ourselves to be convinced that 'public' (meaning your involuntary tax contribution) funding of the arts was 'necessary' (somehow) for the United States of America.
How about a check box on everyone's tax return -
Do YOU want $2 to go to the National Endowment for the Arts?
Most people figuring it wouldn't make a difference in their overall tax burden and it is a 'good' thing to do would check YES.
To make it a more interesting and meaningful option for the taxpayer, ask-
Do YOU want to contribute $2 in addition to your other taxes as a donation to support the 'arts' through a federal problem like the National Endowment for the Arts?
I suspect that when faced with the prospect of even $2 extra in taxes, specifically earmarked for this program, funding for the National Endowment for the Arts would fall dramatically.
Aristotle wrote:
* * * * * *
From: http://www.arts.endow.gov/
Here is what you need to know:
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases.
The NEA is the largest annual national funder of the arts in the United States. While the NEA's budget ($155 million for FY 2009) represents less than one percent of total arts philanthropy in the U.S., NEA grants have a powerful multiplying effect, with each grant dollar typically generating up to seven times more money in matching grants.
Since 1965, the NEA has awarded more than 130,000 grants totaling more than $4 billion. With the mission to bring the arts to all Americans, the NEA has supported arts activities in every Congressional district in the United States, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. Projects include artist residencies in schools, museum exhibitions, Internet initiatives, literary fellowships, national tours, international exchanges, theater festivals, design competitions, folk arts, historic preservation, and much more. The NEA has provided critical seed funds to arts organizations across the country. Organizations that received early support include Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina.
Year / Appropriation
1966
$ 2,898,308
1967
$ 8,475,692
1968
$ 7,774,291
1969
$ 8,456,875
1970
$ 9,055,000
1971
$ 16,420,000
1972
$ 31,480,000
1973
$ 40,857,000
1974
$ 64,025,000
1975
$ 80,142,000
1976T2
$ 87,455,000
1976
$ 35,301,000
1977
$ 99,872,000
1978
$ 123,850,000
1979
$ 149,585,000
1980
$ 154,610,000
1981
$ 158,795,000
1982
$ 143,456,000
1983
$ 143,875,000
1984
$ 162,223,000
1985
$ 163,660,000
1986
$ 158,822,240
1987
$ 165,281,000
1988
$ 167,731,000
1989
$ 169,090,000
1990
$ 171,255,000
1991
$ 174,080,737
1992
$ 175,954,680
1993
$ 174,459,382
1994
$ 170,228,000
1995
$ 162,311,000
1996
$ 99,470,000
1997
$ 99,494,000
1998
$ 98,000,000
1999
$ 97,966,000
2000
$ 97,627,600
2001
$104,769,000
2002
$115,220,000
2003
$115,731,000
2004
$120,971,000
2005
$121,263,000
2006
$124,406,353
2007
$124,561,844
2008
$144,706,800
2009
$155,000,000
1. Appropriation less enacted rescission/s.
2. In 1976, the Federal government changed the beginning of the fiscal year from July 1 to October 1, hence the 1976 Transition (T) Quarter.
"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."
I don't recall reading in the Constitution that the Federal Government is supposed to support the 'arts'. I like art, different kinds of art, going to museums, etc... but I don't see why the FEDERAL government should take the money of taxpayers from around the entire nation and fund individual artisits based on the criteria of some commission. Art is in the eye of the beholder, as is beauty. Now we have federally 'approved' art that many people like and many people DON'T like.
James Madison also wrote:
"I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents."
ART = Object of Benevolence (i.e. there is the saying that goes something like this - "To feed a starving artist, buy a painting")
Lets look at how the 'we' the taxpayers are funding art.
Why are we funding art?
We allowed ourselves to be convinced that 'public' (meaning your involuntary tax contribution) funding of the arts was 'necessary' (somehow) for the United States of America.
How about a check box on everyone's tax return -
Do YOU want $2 to go to the National Endowment for the Arts?
Most people figuring it wouldn't make a difference in their overall tax burden and it is a 'good' thing to do would check YES.
To make it a more interesting and meaningful option for the taxpayer, ask-
Do YOU want to contribute $2 in addition to your other taxes as a donation to support the 'arts' through a federal problem like the National Endowment for the Arts?
I suspect that when faced with the prospect of even $2 extra in taxes, specifically earmarked for this program, funding for the National Endowment for the Arts would fall dramatically.
Aristotle wrote:
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
We should entertain supporting the arts through our charitable giving (private giving, not the public's money), purchases of art works, attendance at museums or galleries, etc.... but the Federal Government and Congress have no business creating jobs for people to 'support the arts'.
* * * * * *
From: http://www.arts.endow.gov/
Here is what you need to know:
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases.
The NEA is the largest annual national funder of the arts in the United States. While the NEA's budget ($155 million for FY 2009) represents less than one percent of total arts philanthropy in the U.S., NEA grants have a powerful multiplying effect, with each grant dollar typically generating up to seven times more money in matching grants.
COMMENT:
If it is <1%>
Since 1965, the NEA has awarded more than 130,000 grants totaling more than $4 billion. With the mission to bring the arts to all Americans, the NEA has supported arts activities in every Congressional district in the United States, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. Projects include artist residencies in schools, museum exhibitions, Internet initiatives, literary fellowships, national tours, international exchanges, theater festivals, design competitions, folk arts, historic preservation, and much more. The NEA has provided critical seed funds to arts organizations across the country. Organizations that received early support include Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina.
National Endowment for the Arts Appropriations History
Year / Appropriation
1966
$ 2,898,308
1967
$ 8,475,692
1968
$ 7,774,291
1969
$ 8,456,875
1970
$ 9,055,000
1971
$ 16,420,000
1972
$ 31,480,000
1973
$ 40,857,000
1974
$ 64,025,000
1975
$ 80,142,000
1976T2
$ 87,455,000
1976
$ 35,301,000
1977
$ 99,872,000
1978
$ 123,850,000
1979
$ 149,585,000
1980
$ 154,610,000
1981
$ 158,795,000
1982
$ 143,456,000
1983
$ 143,875,000
1984
$ 162,223,000
1985
$ 163,660,000
1986
$ 158,822,240
1987
$ 165,281,000
1988
$ 167,731,000
1989
$ 169,090,000
1990
$ 171,255,000
1991
$ 174,080,737
1992
$ 175,954,680
1993
$ 174,459,382
1994
$ 170,228,000
1995
$ 162,311,000
1996
$ 99,470,000
1997
$ 99,494,000
1998
$ 98,000,000
1999
$ 97,966,000
2000
$ 97,627,600
2001
$104,769,000
2002
$115,220,000
2003
$115,731,000
2004
$120,971,000
2005
$121,263,000
2006
$124,406,353
2007
$124,561,844
2008
$144,706,800
2009
$155,000,000
I.E. FOUR BILLION of YOUR taxpayer dollars, BUT people 'voluntarily' support the arts (without taxpayer money to the tune of $396 BILLION dollars) .
Why again are we using the public 'till' to support this tiny fraction of the arts community?
1. Appropriation less enacted rescission/s.
2. In 1976, the Federal government changed the beginning of the fiscal year from July 1 to October 1, hence the 1976 Transition (T) Quarter.
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