Changing Public Attitudes Toward Funding of the Arts

Abstract

Throughout this nation's relatively brief history, a tradition of pluralistic funding of the arts has evolved. The partners in this pluralistic system are individuals, the federal government, state, county and local governments, foundations, businesses, and corporations. With all of these partners participating, the system prevents an unhealthy dependence on any one source and keeps any one source from dominating. An increasing number of Americans view the arts in a positive manner. Nationwide studies and the 1980 census indicate that more Americans are participating, actively and passively, in the arts than ever before in the nation's history. However, the typical American does not seem to understand the pluralistic funding process, especially the role government should play in the funding partnership. The public needs to understand the benefits of government funding of the arts for our society. The funds that taxpayers invest in the arts provide essential tools for economic development and social stability. Public funds spent on the arts multiply in the economy at large, attract tourists, and generate the need for related goods and services. Thus the public needs to be educated to comprehend that government participation is a vital ingredient in our American system of pluralistic support for our cultural endeavors.