Discussion Week 9 - Humanities 112

Government and the Arts

Discuss the U.S. Government's support during the Great Depression for programs, such as the Federal Arts Project, the Federal Writers' Project, and other such efforts.

In support the U.S. Government enacted the Works Progress Administration in 1935 that was part of the New Deal struggle against the Great Depression. Programs created was the Federal Arts Projects, the Federal Writers’ Project and other programs to provide unemployed artists and artisans employment and to create artistic works such as murals, posters, graphic art, sculptures, easel paintings, photography, theatre scenic designs and arts and crafts. Further the Federal Art Project purpose during the depression was to establish community art centers all over the country for art works to be displayed representing American Artists with conclusive research and documentation and helped sustained over 10,000 artists. Its primary goal was to provide employment and also produce art for non-federal municipal buildings and public spaces.

The Federal Writers’ project was also under the Works Progress Administration and its purpose was to employ writers, editors, historians, researchers, art critics, archaeologists, geologists and cartographers which amounted to over 6,600 people. Supplying essays on political, non-political discussions and narratives based on slavery using interviewing techniques. Also, produced was ethnic studies, folklore collections, local histories, nature studies of more than one thousand books and pamphlets.

Another development known as the Federal Theatre Project was part of the Works Progress Administration. It allowed the creation of jobs for unemployed theatrical people of which 10,000 professional in all facets were employed. One of my favorite actors Orson Welles came through this program (featured in Jane Eyre and other great movies I love.)

Also, the Federal Music Project was beneficial in alleviating the effect of lost of jobs for musicians during the Great Depression. Orchestras were eliminated from hotels, restaurants and silent movies, opera companies closed and the teaching of music disappeared from schools and universities. By organizing orchestras throughout the country this allowed the continuous flow of musical entertainment and employment.

Discuss whether or not such projects were good government investments during those hard times, and provide two (2) examples that support your viewpoint.

As known a depression is a severe swing of lack of employment, financial collapse and business failures. Due to the lack of eligible opportunities for employment this situation causes an inability to survive and lack of stability. Further because the government came in and interceded this allowed the retainership of artistic culture, employment of artists, artisans, musicians, writers all of which helped establish a historical base and musical value. Not only was this a good governmental investment for the country it was also a good morale builder and incentive to progress and evolve. Historical fact was established that lent detailed account of the hardship, steps and plan that were put into effect to put the country back on its feet.

Two examples that support my viewpoint is the establishment of cultural museums that displays the most moving paintings that depict historical times, themes and enlightenment of an era past and the other example is that our musical level has increased and is equitable to some of the most established orchestras in the world.

http://www.britannica.com/topic/WPA-Federal-Theatre-Project
http://www.britannica.com/topic/WPA-Federal-Writers-Project
http://www.britannica.com/topic/WPA-Federal-Art-Project
Sayre, H.M. (2014) The Humanities: Culture, Continuity and Change, Boston, MA: Pearson

Determine in what ways the U.S. government currently tries to support the arts. Provide at least one example to support your view.

The U.S. government acts as a facilitator and support of continuing artistical talent to be exhibited by assigning grant monies to differing organizations that are in charge of disbursing monies to aid in this endeavor. Further each state also acts as an assistant to encourage the continuance of Arts. During a time of budget analysis monies are set aside by the federal government for the disbursement of one to one match grants per state. The reasons why is art acts as a positive stimulant and by each display of artistical talent this can be an opening for the impoverish to be exposed to art and become an incentive to perpetuate and nurture new talent. Further it affects economic growth and make communities desirable, aloof but welcoming.

In support of this there are various websites that allow the applying for grants to participate in art displays and creation of art based on or inspired by different styles.

https://www.arts.gov/grants/apply-grant/grants-organizations
http://www.nasaa-arts.org/Advocacy/Advocacy-Tools/Why-Government-Support/WhyGovSupport.pdf

Thank you.

Felicia

co-student reply

I agree that the depression was an era in the United States history that almost configuratively destroyed this country. But due to a shrewd, cultured, wise leader (President Franklin D. Roosevelt) was able to discern and evaluate the destructiveness of the depression and take steps to advert destruction.

The Work Progress Administration was in fact a study which evolved to differing projects to retain a cultural base and head off unemployment. As you stated one out of four Americans being jobless is too many. Twenty-five consumers out of a hundred is a factual basis in the closures throughout the country. Without working individuals these people lives were in jeopardy of dying of starvation and inability to function normally.

The theory of each project was to preserve historical fact, cultural presence, retain our talented people to keep the educational level up and mostly head off unemployment and make monies in escalated segments to handle the depressionary era.

The New Deal was the DEAL for the people and country to show support by extending a helping hand. As an impoverish person this deal won the people's heart and backing because of these measures done by President Roosevelt and his administers this showed they cared. I feel the same a job or position represents my pride in this country with my loyalty and backing.

I love the attitude of the Government in its right to progress Art in all its creative avenues to cultivate greatness in this country. Furthermore with the knowledge that this would be an investment that would return profit as well as stability.

Thank you.

Felicia