Author: Gans, Herbert J.

Publication Year: 1975

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Abstract:

Democracy and the arts are often thought to complement each other; democracy is supposed to aid the arts, and the arts are supposed to aid democracy. Over the course of American history, democracy and the arts have indeed sometimes been allies, but they have also been adversaries.

In addition, the effectiveness of the alliance has been exaggerated, and one part of this paper will argue that the arts can do little to enhance democracy. Democracy can, however, enhance the arts, and the paper concludes by suggesting that the arts, or rather artists, are best seen as a profession or craft which like the health professions, supplies a vitally needed service to people.

Democracy and the arts are very general terms and I will use them generally here, meaning by democracy simply the type of government which draws its legitimacy and authority from the consent of the governed, even if in practice it does not always do so. By the arts, I mean the high, popular and folk cultures that supply aesthetically satisfying, or entertaining or informational fare to people. (As a result, I shall use the term artist to describe people who work in high culture or popular culture, and mean not only painters and sculptors, but also writers, composers, musicians, actors, makers of films and television programs - and even critics and others, including intellectuals, concerned with culture).

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Community Development