(c) Saturday Night Live/NBC
Well, isn't THAT special? NOT!
Maybe you've heard, or not, but as a publication that strictly focuses on artful objects, we feel a sense of urgency, and were certainly taken aback by the initial budget plan that the White House has just dropped. Given Trump's initial proposed budget cuts to completely eliminate some of the most essential entities in our nation including: the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting it seems, with all urgency, that we get your feedback with a little survey.
First, let me ask you, have you ever taken your children, or yourself even, to a museum on a free day? Have you ever gotten discounts or free admission to play or dance performance? Have you attended a lecture, documentary film or community event at a historical site? These are just a few examples of ways in which the above agencies have filled the gaps to communities that might otherwise miss out or be ignored when it comes to arts opportunities. I myself have taken advantage of several events, exhibitions, performances and artist speaking engagements that I would not have been able to afford otherwise.
With this inflammatory type thinking towards the arts, especially in a time when music, fine art, dance in other cultural outreach has grown to its lowest in history within our schools, the eradication of public funding within the arts and humanities is backwards thinking if we want to evolve as a civilization. Some people summize that if "consumers" want to take advantage of the arts that they can do so with the power of their own pocket book. And while that is true if what you are, In fact, "consuming" is only what's popular, or owned by a large corporate entity like Disney, Marvel, etc. etc. And while there is nothing innately wrong in that type of thinking, that type of thinking, In and of itself, is quite suburban, one sided, plain-jane, beige, boring.
The inherent soul of an organization like the NEA was built, and has evolved, into an entity that helps to support smaller arts organizations in otherwise forgotten districts, that help to fill in culturally diverse loopholes. Imagine a world without access to music, traditional or experimental theater, and museums only open to those able to pay upwards of $25 admission fees. Now imagine that offsetting the mere $4 trillion United States budget by only.02%, not 2% percent, point zero two percent, and it makes you wonder why the current administration would find it so easy to dispose of culture as we've known it since the mid 60s, yet increase already inflated budgets on all war related spending. Simply have a look at this Washington Post report for all the simplified numbers and details.
All these arguments don't even scratch the surface of the fact that some of these organizations help to fund or partially defray the costs of works that would never be made otherwise, often works that are challenging, and often non-commercial. Some funds are allocated to be used to help fun local cultural councils offer grants to hard working "poor starving artists" in many cases, works that often merit proper larger investigation and greater access to audiences.
Here at GOFN we fully support the arts, in its vast diversity, in its ability to educate, inspire, disrupt, and be a continuous force for creatives everywhere. We feel this passionate, even though we have never received any public (or private for that matter) funding. If you're the type of person that agrees with this callous disregard for the future of the arts and simply do nothing. If you stand with us, and agree that level or increased funding would make for a better world for all of us, have a look at NEA chairwoman Jane Chu's statement, or that from NEH Chairman William D. Adams statement in regards to this historic cultural downshift. If you are incensed by this stripping bare the future of creative possibilities, and stand in support of the arts, then certainly contact your local governor, senator, or representative and let them know how you feel. Hey, you pay their salary, don't let them waste your money and penny pinch needlessly. Thank you.
Let us know your thoughts here.