The Arts Supported in Stimulus Bill

“There are five million people who work in the arts industry. And right now they have 12.5% unemployment—or are you suggesting that somehow if you work in that field, it isn’t real when you lose your job, your mortgage or your health insurance? We’re trying to treat people who work in the arts the same way as anybody else.” -Congressman David Obey, The Art Newspaper

This is the sentiment in our new Administration in respect to the Arts World which in my opinion is a fantastic thing. For centuries the Arts have been a respected profession and sought after career, in other nations. Here in the U.S. the sentiment was of it being more of a pass-time or hobby until recent years when major support of Arts foundations and philanthropy rivaled many a political campaign. Making our leaders sit-up and take notice that the Arts isn't just a pass-time but an integral part of our nation and the communities within both urban and affluent.

My question about this Bills range of support is, does it extend beyond the easel and canvas in support of the Literary Arts and alternative Arts? I eagerly await the outcome once these funds have been dispersed.

Another question raised is: “how giving tens of millions of dollars to the National Endowment of the Arts or the Smithsonian Museum will reverse the devastating effects of the economic crisis?” -John McCain, The Art Newspaper;

I eagerly await the outcome. However, in my opinion it's important to show a balanced support of all facets of our culture as a nation because allowing one area to thrive while another errodes would be like unraveling the positive outcome of years of equality struggles with the stroke of a pen.