Hollywood Comes to D.C. to Push the Case for Arts Funding: It's all About Jobs
By HUMA KHAN
Congressional funding for the arts is almost always a subject of controversy in Washington, but proponents hope this time to tailor their message to show that such funding can help create jobs, and international goodwill.
Nat'l Endowment for the Arts Chair Rocco Landesman: Art funds help the economy.Supporters are requesting $180 million in appropriations -- or a 7.5 percent increase from last year -- for the National Endowment for the Arts. If Congress were to approve that figure, this would be the most funding ever designated for the arts organization. NEA funding hit a peak in 1992, when the organization received $176 million from Congress.
As lawmakers review annual budget appropriations, advocacy groups are leveraging the power of Hollywood heavyweights to convince members of Congress that supporting the arts can be good for the economy.
"Desperate Housewives" actor Kyle MacLachlan and movie actor Jeff Daniels worked their Hollywood charm on Capitol Hill to rally members of a House appropriations subcommittee, which heard testimonies from these actors, as well as others requesting higher appropriations for the NEA.
"As we toil with the current economic downturn, congressional leaders such as you face the enormous challenge of helping get more of our fellow Americans back to work," MacLachlan said. "It is especially important to me to provide my perspective with you on behalf of those in the creative community who are also facing similar demands on their families."
Perhaps the most unexpected member on the panel that testified before House members today was retired U.S. Army Brigadier Gen. Nolen Bivens, a supporter of the arts who argued that this funding can help the United States face its national security challenges.
Posted By: October Gallery
Friday, April 16th 2010 at 1:47PM
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