Directly and indirectly, this series of illustrations by Maira Kalman provides a crystal clear example of why, no matter what the naysayers say, art is a vital part of human society that is just as deserving of public support as our auto industry and financial institutions (perhaps more so, when you consider the details). Why does that make us nervous sometimes, like it’s some sort of hyperbole that would make “realistic” people laugh? Would you want to be left alone in 2020 with only reality TV?
It’s on us. If this issue speaks to you and you have a few minutes today, write your congresspeople and let them know what you think. Specifically, if you would like more information on the $50,000,000 supplement for the National Endowment for the Arts that’s attached to the American Reinvestment and Recovery Bill of 2009, you can get further details here.
**Another photo from my inauguration day stash.
The 50 million for the NEA is only 1/16,000th of the 800 billion dollar recovery bill. I tried to make a pie chart with my computer showing 1/16,000th, but nothing shows up. Nothing at all. I’m going to get a big magnifying glass. I’m sure there must be at least one little red pixel in there somewhere.
And yet everyone thinks change is coming. Fools. It’s going to take much more than the usual Republican/Decomcrat administration changes to improve the systemic problems with our arts funding.