Author: Cummings, Milton C. Jr.

Publication Year: 1990

Media Type: Book

Summary:

The author surveys the history of the arts and government relationship in this country and finds illuminating parallels in our past with the political controversies about art and government support in the late 1980's.

Abstract:

The author surveys the history of the arts and government relationship in this country and finds illuminating parallels in our past with the political controversies about art and government support in the late 1980's.

CONTENTS

• George Washington as Venus of the Bath.
• God help the government that meddles with art.
• The climate changes.
• Philanthropy, postal rates and tax policy.
• The WPA: a radical departure.
• A wartime rescue operation.
• After World War II, a limited federal presence.
• 1959: a new model emerges.
• The National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities.
• An unanticipated champion: Richard Nixon.
• The NEA: assault and vindication.
• Other issues of the 1980s.
• The Bush era begins.
• Mapplethorpe: The conflagration begins.
• Enter Jesse Helms.
• The Independent Commission reports.
• The Senate and House Committees act.
• In conclusion: assessing the relationship.
• Notes [bibliography].

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Cultural Planning, Community Development