Author: Mankin, Lawrence D.

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Book

Summary:

The author relates the history of government support of the arts, describing rhetorical support, symbolic support and support through specific programs such as New Deal programs. He analyzes the motives for each form of support and questions the extent to which the government can be a neutral benefactor of the arts.

Abstract:

The author relates the history of government support of the arts, describing rhetorical support, symbolic support and support through specific programs such as New Deal programs. He analyzes the motives for each form of support and questions the extent to which the government can be a neutral benefactor of the arts.

Government can encourage, support, constrain or censor. This takes on additional importance as government becomes patron. [The author] presents an historical overview of government patronage in the . [He] discusses the various approaches that the national government has taken in its relation to practicing artists from the early days of the nation until the establishment of the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities. We find a mixed review of the federal government's relation with the arts, perhaps not surprising in a society where art appreciation is not part of the interwoven value foundation. [The author] notes that throughout our history, government has fulfilled the role of patron through rhetorical support, symbolic gestures of support, and specific, though minor, programs of support. While government can nourish the arts (the European case is proof enough), Mankin demonstrates that it can also harass, retard, and manipulate the arts as well. (General introduction, p. 4)

CONTENTS
Rhetorical support.
Symbolic gestures.
Programs of support.
New Deal programs: the support.
WPA art programs.
The attack.
Accomplishments of WPA projects.
Conclusion.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Funding