What is art? Art can be defined in many different ways because there are many perspectives on what art is. It can be defined as a strict vocabulary term or defined based on the personal opinion of different individuals. Art is displayed and expressed in different forms of traditions, rituals, and entertainment. Given the variety of ways to display art, it would be most reasonable to provide a source of funding in order to continue these showcases. Without the money to support this cause, people will not be able to show their creativity and use their artistic ability to its fullest potential and receive the help to develop the skills that are necessary to get through everyday life.
The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that cuts the National Endowment for the Arts (N.E.A.) by 49 percent (Support Funding, Policies of the Arts). Federal tax dollars are being used towards non-profit organizations and establishment such as art museums, art centers, orchestras, and other festive events that may take place. The total cost for these displays and showcases of the arts cost about 22.3 billion dollars in annual federal, state, and local tax revenues. Of course, there are people who feel as though this money should be funded elsewhere, but there are also others who feel that the money is being used rationally and reasonably. There are a good number of reasons that support why the federal government should continue its funding to the arts in America.
“Ever since the late 1980s, when the performance artist Karen Finley started playing around with yams and chocolate, the National Endowment for the Arts has come under fire from some conservative lawmakers” (N.E.A. Funds Benefit Both the Rich and the Poor). The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that funds and promotes artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. This agency will be able to help those who wish to be in a meaningful career and those who wish to make a living from participating in the arts. Since Karen Finley’s performance, the National Endowment of the Arts has been giving out grants to people who are determined to become successful with their artistic abilities. This was done so that there may still be an appropriate amount of the arts would be funded, while balancing out the funding for other areas.
For majority of the individuals who participate in the arts, the foundation that will be the starting point of learning and developing their artistic ability is in the educational system. In most, if not all, schools are receiving funding for their art programs and classes for students to be enrolled in. Most of the funding for art programs goes to the elementary schools and secondary educational; this is where students learn how to analyze and interpret visual information. Not only will this be important in the usual art classes the students are enrolled in, these are...
