Author: Svenson, Arthur

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Book

Summary:

Abstract:

...the efforts of SAAs [state arts agencies] to advance our civilization are examined from several perspectives. First, the various justifications and goals of SAAs are reviewed. Second, their structural characteristics and programmatic designs are documented. Third, factors accounting for the relatively recent trend toward decentralized state arts patronage are discussed; in this regard, criticisms of local arts agencies and arts retailers are also assessed. In a concluding section, the politicization of state arts patronage is examined, as well as its long-range impact upon the vitality of artistic creativity. (p. 196-7)

[The author] presents a number of themes common to state arts agencies and deserving of critical analysis. He first discusses the motives which inspired the institutionalization of state arts patronage noting that the states, though much maligned, have often ventured into policy areas before the federal government. [He] devotes considerable attention to the desires of state legislators to promote artistic opportunity and quantity of artistic production. He then examines the characteristics associated with the administrators and administration of state arts agencies. Finally, [he] reviews the programmatic approaches adopted by state arts agencies and concludes with a discussion of the political and financial structure of state arts agencies and the problems awaiting these agencies in the future. (General introduction, p. 5)

CONTENTS
State arts agencies - primarily in the service of audience and artist.
Organizational structures and programmatic offerings.
The movement toward administrative decentralization.
Arts for future generations.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Funding