Page 36 - august2017lifeinnaples

National arts funding

WHAT’S THE DEAL?

by Laurel Meny

Pop quiz:

What do an exhibit by an unrecognized artist; a local orchestra
performance; a staging of Macbeth at a community theatre;
pottery classes for underprivileged children; and dance therapy
classes for seniors have in common? Answer? They are all
programs that could be cut from the federal government’s
budget soon.
The current budget plan – which calls for the elimination
of the National Endowment for the Arts’ $148 million budget;
the National Endowment for the Humanities’ $148 million
budget; the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ $230
million budget; and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s
$445 million budget – would rock our cultural foundation to
its core. And, while these numbers seem large, it’s really just
a drop in the bucket (or .02%) of the total federal budget. So,
why defund the arts? During this turbulent time, the Naples Art Association is
Some would argue that these four organizations have fortunate to have the support of many donors through its 5 for the
grown to be powerhouses since their inception decades ago Arts program, which is a special circle of arts-minded individuals
and don’t need government funding. But, to the contrary. These that are dedicated to providing core financial support to the Naples
organizations rely on federal dollars to influence state, local, Art Association as it grants a home and resources to our youth and
and even private funding that then trickles down to support aging populations, persons with special needs, and local artists.
an intricate network of arts organizations, educational outlets, These 500 generous donors commit to a tax-deductible gift of $500
museums, libraries, and public broadcasting affiliates. Just last or more for the next five years, making it possible for us to carry
year alone, the National Endowment for the Arts sent $47 on our mission of promoting the visual arts within our community
million to 50 states and five jurisdictions. These funds helped to and enriching the local cultural landscape. By participating in this
leverage $368 million from state governments. And, together program, it also allows The NAA to develop and implement new
those funds were distributed through 24,000 grants, according programs to engage and inform the general public, reach under-
to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. served populations, and continue collaborations with Grace Place,
the MS Society, and Lighthouse of Collier, as well as establish new
Another way to look at the United States’ federal arts funding is programming. Please consider joining 5 for the Arts so that we may
to compare it side-by-side to other countries. continue providing arts education for all.
Visit https://shop.naplesart.org/membership for more information.
Country Budget Population
United States $971 million 321.4 million
France $10 billion 66.81 million
Australia $7 billion 22 million
Germany $1.63 billion 81.41 million
Northern Ireland $21 million 1.8 million
Sweden $15 million 9 million

36 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2017