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OBJECTIVE:
- Urge Congress to vote for long-term, continued funding of the
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), The National Endowment
for the Humanities (NEH) and the Office of Museum Services (OMS)
FEDERAL ARTS & CULTURAL
FUNDING...
- Strengthens Every State- 40 percent of the National Endowment
for the Art's program dollars are earmarked for block grants to
state arts agencies, ensuring funds for every state, including
Maryland and the Maryland State Arts Council.
- Is a Solid Investment- The nonprofit arts industry generates
$134 billion annually in economic activity, supports approximately
5 million jobs, and returns $10.5 billion to the federal government
in income taxes.
- Attracts new tourism dollars- one of the fastest growing economic
markets in the country today.
- Supports Public Stewardship- The National Endowment for the
Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities and Office of Museum
Services invest in institutions that are "public stewards"
and are at the forefront in the preservation of our nation's historical
and cultural heritage. A clear majority of Americans (57%) favor
federally funded arts & cultural programs.
- Addresses the Nation's Future Education Needs- More than two-thirds
of our nation's K-12 Education curricula is dedicated to the humanities
and 4 out of 5 teachers feel inadequately prepared in their subject
area. Seminars and institutes supported by the NEA, NEH, and OMS
strengthen teaching and learning in these very areas.
- Increases public access to the performing, visual, literary,
media, and folk arts- The NEA, NEH, OMS provide opportunities
for lifelong learning for millions of Americans. Failing to support
these agencies would actually relegate access to cultural programming
to the "elite."
- Is a Critical Link in the Chain- Cultural organizations rely
on balanced support from an alliance of public and private partners.
The federal government- through the NEA, NEH, and OMS- is a vital
part of that infrastructure of support.
- Promotes Stability- Private support cannot replace the role
of government cultural funding, which leverages additional public
and private funding. On average, each NEA dollar attracts $12
from other sources.
- Encourages public knowledge, education, understanding, and appreciation
of the arts and culture
Source: Americans for the Arts, 2001- Making the Case to Congress
for Federal Support of the Arts
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