Obama and the arts - a love affair? WH performances, millions in funding set administration apart.

[jefferson_dem]

Obama and the arts — a love affair?
White House performances, millions in funding set the administration apart
The Associated Press
updated 12:22 a.m. ET, Tues., Dec . 8, 2009



In his first year, President Barack Obama has marshaled the largest infusion of cultural funding in decades — despite a few stumbles.

Though still far less than arts advocates contend is needed, they have high hopes this president could transform cultural policy, funding and arts education for years to come.

"I think and feel he's very much in the John F. Kennedy tradition — he embodies the humanities, essentially," said Jim Leach, a former Republican congressman from Iowa whom Obama named chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. "That doesn't mean a conservative leader can't also. Abraham Lincoln was a great conservative who embodied the humanities."

Across Washington, cultural leaders have taken note of Obama's approach. They're impressed with the variety of musical performances and workshops held at the White House this year, covering classical, jazz, Latin and country tunes.

There's also the $100 million in new funding for the arts, including a one-time $50 million infusion from the economic stimulus package to preserve arts jobs. There were sizable increases as well in the annual appropriations for the arts and humanities endowments. Both agencies will receive $167.5 million in 2010, their largest allocations in 16 years



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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34317564/ns/politics-white_house/?ocid=twitter

[boppers]

1. K&R

[Clio the Leo]

2. And in the middle of a recession no less...

.... bravo Mr. President!!!

(and thanks for honoring the two hotties, btw!)

[stopbush]

3. The arts remain one of the best places to invest money.

Every $1 spent in the arts generates $1.87 in ancillary income. If you track how that dollar moves through a community, it can generate anywhere from $7 to $11 in additional spending.

Investing in the arts is investing in solid economic policy.

[LooseWilly]

4. I have to say, Obama deserves some kudos for his stance on the arts.

Finally some funding for arts and artists. More would certainly be better... but any at all seems to be at least one significant crumb tossed to the left.

Cheers.

[JanusAscending]

5. BRAVO Mr. President !

My grandson, studying theatre arts at Dean College in Ma., gratefully bows to you !! (as does his Gramma)

[impik]

6. One more thing he has done and no one knows

And "progressive" don't care about.

[Starry Messenger]

7. This is welcome news.

The arts used to be one of those things both parties loved to strip money from, so this brings me a little hope. :)

[saltpoint]

8. 'Will second the positive trend of the comments in this thread and say that

this White House values the arts far closer to how the arts should be valued as opposed to the fool who was living at the same residence the previous eight years.

More of the same, Michelle and Barack Obama, and thank you.