Claire and Melissa discuss federal funding for agencies that support arts, culture and education, such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Institute of Library and Museum Services.
The establishment of these agencies was part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society initiative, the goal of which was to address societal inequity that existed in 1960s America. Over the decades, these agencies have been a vehicle for change, though not without criticism from those who feel they exist outside what the scope of government.
In spite of this, until 2017, a president has never suggested the complete elimination of support for any one of the organizations.
As Claire and Melissa reflect on this, and the importance of these agencies to communities across the nation, both large and small, they bring the conversation home and discuss the importance of these funds to the Quad Cities.
Resources
- Artist Jason Platt
- Contact elected officials
- Results of the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV study in your region