Resources

Advocacy

Former Republican CFO of US cites importance of government sponsored funding for the arts

“Government funding of the arts is important at all times and perhaps even more important in difficult times. When people are hurting, they can take comfort in the fact that they still have a community and cultural experience that binds them.”

“In terms of all the other things that government does, I suggest the arts and culture rate right up there with education.”

Frank Hodsoll
Former Chief Financial Officer of the US Government
Appointed by President George Bush Sr. and
Former NEA Chairman appointed by President Ronald Reagan

Download the complete interview with Frank Hodsoll

return to top

Public Support for Arts and Humanities - MT Association of Counties

RESOLUTION 99-3
PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR ARTS AND HUMANITIES
STATEMENT OF INTENT

Montana Counties support the increase of county government visibility and vocal support of the Arts and Humanities, which all too often are overlooked in terms of the benefits they provide to communities. Public support is important because it formally recognizes the value to citizens.

Download the complete text:

return to top

Statement on cultural economy

“We commit ourselves and encourage all elected and appointed officials at the federal, state and local levels-mayors; county commissioners; city and county managers; governors; legislators at the federal, state and local levels; and the president of the United States-to strengthen leadership and increase support for a sustainable, cultural economy which unselfishly provides a measure of public service defining our ultimate legacy as a nation.”
—The National Conference of State Legislatures, US Conference of Mayors, National Governors' Association, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, Congressional Arts Caucus, Americans for the Arts, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, National Endowment for the Arts

Download the above text as:

return to top

Art for Art's Sake? No, the Economy's

How many dancers, musicians, and authors in your town? According to a new study, a critical mass of creativity spurs a vibrant business sector. http://www.businessweek.com:/print/bwdaily/dnflash/aug2003/nf2003087_4628_db013.htm?pi

The Arts in Public Policy: An Advocacy Agenda

Public support for the arts has become a matter of public policy. Government spending on the arts at the federal, state and local levels increases when legislators understand how the arts can help them advance their particular policy agendas. State funding for the arts has nearly doubled in the last decade, as advocates have successfully demonstrated the benefits of the arts investment in economic, social and educational terms. And using the arts to address community development issues is the fastest-growing program and service area for local arts agencies.

The arts give policy makers the tools to address a wide range of civic concerns in creative and cost-effective ways. Advocates can draw on a wealth of research demonstrating the arts' role in improving student learning, in building a strong workforce, in developing America's creative industries, and in offering positive alternatives to troubled youth. A small investment in the arts can help strengthen the economy of a community by promoting tourism, revitalizing the core commercial district and attracting businesses to expand local job opportunities.

© 2002 by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Author: Thomas L. Birch. Editor: Jill Hauser. Reprinted with permission.

The article above goes on to cover the specifics of the arts and education, youth at risk, business, tourism and economic development. To read the whole article download the file below.

Download The Arts in Public Policy: An Advocacy Agenda

return to top

Strengthening Communities Through Culture

A report by the Center for Arts and Culture
November 2001 — Washington DC

This report discusses crucial ways in which America's communities can be identified with, and supported and enhanced by, their art and culture.

Download the Executive Summary

Or view the whole paper at: http://www.culturalpolicy.org/pdf/communities.pdf

return to top