Art Is More Than Decoration.
From Public Radio to Grants, the Arts are in trouble.
On May 9th, I received an email from South Arts, a non-profit organization servicing the SouthEast USA that left me dumbfounded. It began:
“Dear valued member of our community, Last Friday, many though not all active and pending direct grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) were terminated.”
What is the National Endowment for the Arts?
It is a U.S. federal agency that provides grants to nonprofit arts organizations, public agencies, educational institutions, and individuals according to the National Endowment for the Arts. It was established by Congress in 1965.
The arts are fundamental to our humanity.
The arts ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, empathy, and beauty. The arts also strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically. Simply put, the arts are essential to the proper functioning of our society.
“‘Any attempt to dismantle the National Endowment for the Arts — by eliminating funding, reducing staff, or canceling grants — is deeply concerning, shortsighted, and detrimental to our nation,’ said Erin Harkey, CEO of the national arts advocacy organization Americans for the Arts, in a statement shared with NPR.” - (Source)
The Top Ten Reasons to Support The Arts
Arts unify communities
Arts improve individual well being
Arts strengthen the economy: The nation’s arts and culture sector—nonprofit, commercial, education—is an $876.7 billion industry that supports 4.6 million jobs (2020). That is 4.2% of the nation’s economy—a larger share of GDP than powerhouse sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and utilities. The arts boast a $33 billion international trade surplus (2019). The arts accelerate economic recovery: a growth in arts employment has a positive and causal effect on overall employment.
Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses
Arts improve academic performance
Arts spark creativity and innovation
Arts have social impact
Arts improve healthcare
Arts for the heath and well being of our military
Arts strengthen mental health
(Source: https://www.artsactionfund.org/top-10-reasons-support-arts-2022)
Maybe you don’t think art is a big part of your life.
Consider chefs, movies, plays, novels, book covers, podcasts, radio, murals, music, fashion… there are endless means of artistic expression. These are all seamlessly interwoven into everyday life.
I urge you to support the arts now more than ever.
Learn more about public art offerings in your community. Share your friend’s image on instagram. Subscribe to podcast with a monthly subscription. Observe the small moments of pleasure creative expression brings to your life.
Here are some tangible ways to support the arts:
Donate to Arts organizations
Sponsor or commission artists
Purchase artwork
Attend fundraisers or auctions
Subscribe to artist’s platforms
Attend exhibitions and events
Spread the words
Volunteer your time
Offer your skills
Engage with online content