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Speaker Series Explores Rebuilding City Centers Democracy Steps in Hocking Hills State Park
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Over the last several months, I’ve fielded questions
from reporters at publications as varied as The Plain Dealer and the Chronicle
of Philanthropy who were inquiring about my reaction to the findings of American
Canvas, a report released by the National Endowment for the Arts in mid-October.
Former NEA Director Jane Alexander called the document, which resulted from a year-long,
nationwide series of public forums—including one in Columbus—a cautionary tale
about the future of the arts in this country. Perhaps that’s why the reporters’
first question consistently was "Didn’t you find the results depressing,
disheartening?" In each case, I responded "indeed not." That’s because this much talked about document reinforces what the Ohio arts community openly acknowledged in statewide discussions that led to the Arts Council’s new strategic plan. Thanks to the input of art educators, administrators, artists, legislators and citizens, we’ve already begun to find new ways of doing business, administratively and programmatically. We are reinterpreting the broad public purposes served by the arts and specific ways the arts meet the needs of the nation and all Americans. By confirming that there is much work to be done, American Canvas should energize us as we approach a new year full of opportunities. I encourage everyone to read the report, which is available on-line at http://arts.endow.gov/ or by calling the NEA at 202/ 682-5400. Read it and remember these encouraging facts: The arts help define what it is to be an American. The arts contribute to quality of life and economic growth. The arts help form an educated and aware citizenry. The arts enhance individual life. |
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