The United States Arts Policy and the National Endowment for the Arts: A Historical Overview (1965-1980)

The United States Arts Policy and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have played a pivotal role in shaping the arts and culture landscape in the United States since the mid-20th century. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the Arts Policy and the establishment of the NEA during its early years (1965-1980).

Federalizing the Muse: United States Arts Policy and the National Endowment for the Arts, 1965-1980

by Donna M. Binkiewicz

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2148 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	314 pages
Hardcover	:	208 pages
Item Weight	:	1.74 pounds

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The Genesis of the Arts Policy: A Post-War Perspective

The post-World War II era marked a period of significant cultural and societal transformation in the United States. The war had brought unprecedented economic growth and prosperity, leading to an increased demand for cultural experiences and artistic expression. However, the support for arts and culture was primarily provided by private patrons and institutions, leaving a significant funding gap for smaller organizations and emerging artists.

In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recognized the importance of the arts in enriching American life and promoting national identity. President John F. Kennedy appointed August Heckscher, a philanthropist and cultural advocate, to chair a task force to study the role of the federal government in supporting the arts.

The Establishment of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

The task force's recommendations culminated in the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, which established the NEA as an independent agency within the federal government. The NEA's mission was to provide financial support to non-profit artistic organizations and individual artists, with a focus on promoting artistic excellence and accessibility to the arts for all Americans.

Early Years: Building a Foundation

The early years of the NEA were marked by rapid growth and the development of key programs and initiatives. The agency established funding categories for various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, theater, visual arts, literature, and media. It also implemented grant programs to support arts education, research, and public outreach initiatives.

One of the significant achievements of the NEA during this period was the creation of the Dance Touring Program in 1967. This program provided grants to dance companies to tour their work across the nation, bringing quality dance performances to communities that may not have had access to live dance events.

The Nixon Years: Challenges and Controversies

The Nixon administration (1969-1974) witnessed challenges and controversies surrounding the NEA. President Nixon expressed concerns about the agency's funding and its perceived support for controversial or avant-garde art forms.

In 1973, a controversial exhibition at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., sparked public outrage and prompted a congressional investigation into the NEA's funding practices. The investigation concluded that the NEA should prioritize traditional and safe art forms, leading to a temporary shift in the agency's funding priorities.

The Recovering Years: The 1970s

The post-Nixon era marked a period of recovery and renewed focus on the NEA's original mission. Congress appropriated increased funding for the agency, allowing it to expand its support for a broader range of artistic disciplines and projects.

In 1975, the NEA established the National Council on the Arts, a bipartisan advisory body tasked with providing guidance to the agency on funding decisions and arts policy. The Council's creation helped to enhance the NEA's credibility and demonstrate its commitment to responsible and transparent funding practices.

A New Decade: The Carter Administration and the NEA

The Carter administration (1977-1981) brought a renewed emphasis on promoting cultural diversity and equity in the arts. The NEA implemented initiatives to support emerging artists, minority-serving organizations, and community-based arts programs.

One of the most significant developments during this period was the creation of the Arts in Education Program in 1978. This program provided grants to schools and educational institutions to integrate arts education into their curricula, recognizing the transformative power of the arts in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in young people.

The United States Arts Policy and the National Endowment for the Arts have undergone significant evolution since their establishment in the 1960s. The NEA has played a vital role in supporting artistic excellence, promoting arts education, and making the arts accessible to all Americans. Despite ongoing challenges and controversies, the NEA continues to be a cornerstone of the nation's cultural policy, demonstrating the enduring impact of the arts on society.

References:

• National Endowment for the Arts: NEA History
• National Endowment for the Arts: National Arts Policy
• National Endowment for the Humanities: Report on the National Foundation for Arts and Humanities Act of 1965
• The National Humanities Alliance: National Endowment for the Arts

Federalizing the Muse: United States Arts Policy and the National Endowment for the Arts, 1965-1980

by Donna M. Binkiewicz

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2148 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	314 pages
Hardcover	:	208 pages
Item Weight	:	1.74 pounds

FREE