The National Endowment for the Arts squeals for its bailout
They’re creative. They’re important. And they’re almost as big as the military, so hand them more money and quit complaining!
Here’s the NEA’s plea for a piece of the stimulus pie — a plea paid for, of course, with your tax dollars:
There has been much public conversation recently regarding the role of the arts and culture industry in economic stimulus. Following is information that seeks to clarify this issue through two key points: that the arts and culture industry is a sector of the economy just like any other with workers who pay taxes, mortgages, rent and contribute in other ways to the economy; and that the National Endowment for the Arts is uniquely positioned to assist in job stimulation for that industry.
A statement on January 22 from then NEA Chairman Dana Gioia noted, “Arts organizations have been hit enormously hard by the current recession. They’ve seen their support drop from corporations, foundations, and municipalities. This infusion of funds will help sustain them, their staffs, and the artists they employ. We are hopeful that Congress and the new administration will support this important investment.”
The arts and culture sector
A recent study released by the National Governors Association titled Arts and the Economy: Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development states, “Arts and culture are important to state economies. Arts and culture-related industries, also known as creative industries, provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: They create jobs, attract investment, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases.”
As noted in the NEA study Artists in the Workforce (May 2008), there are two million trained, entrepreneurial working artists across the country who are assets to their communities. Representing 1.4 percent of the U.S. labor force, artists constitute a sizeable class of workers — only slightly smaller than the total number of active-duty and reserve personnel in the U.S. military (2.2 million).
See what others have said
Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
 |
Stimulus-Backed ‘Green’ Bankruptcy of the Week: Ener1
January 26, 2012 03:06 PM by Doug Powers
67 Comments
Obama’s Green Robber Barons
January 25, 2012 09:13 AM by Michelle Malkin
89 CommentsWhite House Calls Solyndra Subpoena ‘Unreasonable Burden on the President’s Ability to Meet His Constitutional Duties’
November 5, 2011 10:22 AM by Doug Powers
84 Comments
California High Speed Rail Project Triples in Projected Cost, Won’t Be Ready for 22 Years
November 1, 2011 09:02 AM by Doug Powers
117 Comments
The Latest Dept of Energy Loan Recipient to Declare Bankruptcy Is…
October 31, 2011 02:00 PM by Doug Powers
75 CommentsWhite House Orders Review of Energy Department Loans
October 28, 2011 04:49 PM by Doug Powers
52 Comments
While you were sleeping: Sneaky midnight-hour Senate moves; EduJobs rejected, Commerce nominee/solar subsidy mogul approved, Fannie/Freddie loan limits increased
October 21, 2011 02:11 AM by Michelle Malkin
46 Comments
Categories: fiscal stimulus
Pundit & Pundette
» Bishop Jenky, Nicki Minaj, and the "98%"Sister Toldjah
» Obama’s new budget is a bad jokeJustOneMinute
» We Hear From The Department Of Good Ideas And False Choices
An advantage of being an artist is, you can hold that job and still work full time somewhere else. Waiting tables is good for your art.
While I strongly sympathize with the “workers” I fail to see how bailing out this elitist trash will stimulate the economy. The arts can go take a flying tumble for all I care. I seldom watch television, and can’t remember the last time I went to a movie. The NEA is snobism at its finest.
Let me see…covering yourself in chocolate to make an “artistic statement” is definitely as important as any mean old military guy with a gun. Or a tank. Hmm. Of COURSE we need to fund these people, otherwise, they’re unemployable. And can’t find “sponsors” other than the American taxpayer.
If these people are as “trained and entrepreneurial” as claimed, then why aren’t they earning a living outside the taxpayer’s pocketbook? Maybe their lack of success just proves they’re bad business people. And don’t deserve a handout.
It must be a conspiracy because I can’t think of any other company, organization, whatever, that has been hit by the current recession. Just you guys. Here’s your millions, please don’t spend it all in one place.
I don’t know, I’m doing pretty good selling my film Flatland without any government stimulus.
If I can sculpt a bust of barry hussein out of dog poo, can I get in on some of this stimulus cash too? I promise on my government to spend it wisely /sarc off
There will probably be some job openings for painting the lines on all of the new highways we’ll be building. I’ll get back to ya’ when I think of a couple more opportunities.
Here is a stimulus plan for the NEA: Dear Starving Artist, You are starving because you are a lousy artist. Find a new career.
On January 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pm, bradley said:
Bingo. Making a work of art is the penultimate form of entrepreneurship. If an audience finds no value in what you produce, you don’t make money… Period.
And if you are compelled to continue to make your work in poverty, then by all means do so. But don’t do it by enslaving others (making them pay for it). That turns you into a slavemaster, not an artist.
This is why government funded art of any sort – film, painting, writing, whatever – is (to me anyway) the ultimate evil. It destroys art through its patronage, and the artist too.
An artist should never willingly participate in evil to produce his or her work. Never.
Government funded art inevitably leads to the worst kind of propaganda… China, USSR, etc. Just try to watch a soviet-era film. Horrid.
It’s happening here, too. Most gov-funded films are just bile and boostership.
shimauma2–unacceptable. You will only get yer $$ when your sculpture is of a more deserving poo-poo icon: GWB. Back to the drawing board with you!
Whenever I think of the NEA, I think of Babs Streisand’s impassioned plea to continue pilfering from the pockets of the American taxpayer to support the arts…I always wondered why she couldn’t kick in a few million of her own? Maybe she could round up a few friends who could do the same? Then the rest of us wouldn’t have to be subject to the trash funded by the NEA…and I have a feeling Babs wouldn’t feel compelled to support such trash more than once, herself.
Typical.Liberal.Hypocrisy. But I repeat myself.
*sniff* But it’s ART! I wouldn’t expect you to understand it.
/sarc
My brother used to joke, “The french subsidize all their artists, musicians, etc.,…… Now quick! Name a world famous french rock group!”
Everyone should send them a dollar bill in a jar of pee. They like that sort of thing.
On January 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm, Bogtrotter said:
I hope this pop quiz doesn’t count much on our final grade.
“Everyone should send them a dollar bill in a jar of pee. They like that sort of thing.”
ROFLMAO!
The NEA should be funded by artists, period!
Let all of the wealthy celebrities, artists, and entertainers pony-up.
On January 29th, 2009 at 2:42 pm, guitarguy said:
The NEA should be shut down. Don’t ask me to contribute to my competitors
The government has no business whatsoever funding art. Period.
Sen. Durbin’s office disdainfully laughed when I brought this very item to their attention the other day. Needless to say, money and the Constitution are no issue to the Democrats. I know I keep asking, but could someone please show me where this and numerous other items in this bill fall under the enumerated powers?
Now, if “conservatives” wish to act, then they can start by backing Rep. John Shaddegg’s Enumerated Powers Act.
My dear son went to art school, got his degree in fine arts, and, while in college for 4 years, worked as a house painter every Summer.
He now has a nice house painting business of his own. He has made maybe $200 selling his paintings in the last 10+ years. His house painting business now supports him, his mortgage, and his family.
We do NOT need to support more artists with our tax money. Let them paint houses.
Mine will be a mosaic made from ACORNs.
I have an idea for another, but I’ll need thousands of long-form birth certificates to make it.
My husband’s cousin lives on Nantucket and makes a fine living as an artist. He did this through TALENT and HARD WORK, not through the largesse of the American taxpayer.
If artists can’t support themselves on the “art” they provide, they should consider another career.
There are plenty of private and non-profit artist organizations out there that support them, no need for tax money.
In the Middle Ages, artists and musicians went out and found themselves a Patron. They didn’t live off the government. They were, essentially, indentured servants to that Patron, and produced incredible musical works and great artistic masterpieces for those patrons. If they didn’t have any talent, no patron, no income. No problem. Let all these so-called artists go out and find a “Patron of the Arts” and live off them. The government is not and never has been such a patron. Leave my money alone!
For crying out loud. Is there any group that doesn’t feel entitled to a handout?
Listen up you “artists” receiving NEA money, this is how it works:
I write music. It either sells or it doesn’t. Thats’ the difference between me being an artist and you being a government employee.
Robert Maplethorpe looks up through the fire and flames, and for a brief moment, a contented smile flashes across his festering visage.
The NEA: just one of the vast array of unconstitutionally funded organizations of the Federal government.
Seems if I follow this logic, ALL jobs should be GOVERNMENT jobs and we will all be better off.
Total insanity! There should ne NO FEDERAL BUDGET of ANY kind for the NEA!
Bad news for lgm*. Public support for the Spending Binge (Stimulus) is declining. And among Independents and Republicans, it’s cratering.
(* i.e. Good News for America)
On January 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pm, FilmLadd said:
Bingo. Making a work of art is the penultimate form of entrepreneurship. If an audience finds no value in what you produce, you don’t make money… Period.
—————————————
I second that notion. If the general public won’t buy what you’re selling – be it a desecrated cross, or self-desecration onstage – it is not the government’s duty to “bail you out”, and they are not “censoring” you by refusing to fund you with taxpayer dollars.
“Censorship” is threating to arrest you (or worse) if you publicly display your work of “art”.
On January 29th, 2009 at 2:52 pm, MtsEdge said:
My husband’s cousin lives on Nantucket and makes a fine living as an artist. He did this through TALENT and HARD WORK, not through the largesse of the American taxpayer.
————————————–
To paraphrase “Field of Dreams”: “If you have the talent, they will come”.
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:00 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:
Robert Maplethorpe looks up through the fire and flames, and for a brief moment, a contented smile flashes across his festering visage.
—————————————
Why, Rogue Cheddar, I think you may be a better writer than some of the hacks who want gvt handouts; nice (but creepy, which is okay by me) imagery!
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:18 pm, frostrt said:
Exactly! I am so sick of these NEA artists whining about “freedom of speech.” What they really mean is they want the costs of their speech to be free for them, and enslave all of us to pay for it!
Good point!!
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:24 pm, FilmLadd said:
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:18 pm, frostrt said:
“Censorship” is threating to arrest you (or worse) if you publicly display your work of “art”.
Exactly! I am so sick of these NEA artists whining about “freedom of speech.” What they really mean is they want the cos
————————————-
Let them travel to some of the Commie countries so many of them claim to like better than the U.S. and they’ll see what REAL stifling of freedom of expression is.
Considering the cost of living ain’t cheap on Nantucket, he has a lot at stake. P.S. How’s it going??
One of my daughters teaches theater at a university. She tells her students what art truly is.
If you want to be an actor, move to New York.
If you want to be an artist , move to Montana.
If you’re good enough people will find you and government aid will only corrupt you.
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:27 pm, MtsEdge said:
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pm, frostrt said:
On January 29th, 2009 at 2:52 pm, MtsEdge said:
My husband’s cousin lives on Nantucket and makes a fine living as an artist. He did this through TALENT and HARD WORK, not through the largesse of the American taxpayer.
————————————–
To paraphrase “Field of Dreams”: “If you have the talent, they will come”.
Considering the cost of living ain’t cheap on Nantucket, he has a lot at stake. P.S. How’s it going??
————————————-
It’s going great!
Here in MO we got some snow and ice on Tuesday (like so many other places); I took that day off and had a time driving through it yesterday – spring can get here anytime!
I wish your hubby’s cousin the best; I think using the talent the Lord gave you and working hard is a pretty sure formula for success.
Translation: We’ve got to get some of those liberal Foo-Foos to divert some of the public’s cash our way that they won’t give it to us themselves. And those who do only see us as limp-wristed tax deductions for do-nothings who can’t stay afloat without the handouts.
Oh, bama, I don’t want to go back to that freeway off ramp with my sign.
P.S. MtStEdge: How’s it going with you?
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:31 pm, simcoe said:
We are hopeful that Congress and the new administration will support this important investment.
Translation: We’ve got to get some of those liberal Foo-Foos to divert some of the public’s cash our way that they won’t give it to us themselves. And those who do only see us as limp-wristed tax deductions for do-nothings who can’t stay afloat without the handouts.
Oh, bama, I don’t want to go back to that freeway off ramp with my sign.
————————————–
These “artists” want gvt to be Daddy and Mommy: If you can’t make it on your own (or won’t, because you refuse to do anything else to support yourself aside from your “art”), ask Mom & Dad to send money.
You all are describing the exact reason that our founders put this in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution:
“To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries”
Art and Science are the realm of private artists, writers, and inventors, not the United States government.
Good! First day out after 2 days of snow and ice…kids enjoyed sledding on Tuesday…got some great pics of them just before the crash!!
But doesn’t that stifle the free speech of these citizens?
/sarc
That is so misleading. I have worked in the graphics industry for forty years. Most of those artist they talk about are commercial artist. They have a marketable skill that business is willing to pay for. I wish they would stop grouping my industry in with those other whiners.
GEEES!
http://youhavetobethistalltogoonthisride.blogspot.com/2009/01/will-redneck-artist-benefit-from.html
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:42 pm, MtsEdge said:
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:32 pm, frostrt said:
P.S. MtStEdge: How’s it going with you?
Good! First day out after 2 days of snow and ice…kids enjoyed sledding on Tuesday…got some great pics of them just before the crash!!
————————————
Sweet!
As far as I’m concerned, snow is a lovely sight . . . if I can admire it from inside my nice, warm apartment.
I remember sledding and making snowmen as a kid . . . SNOW DAY! SNOW DAY! I still get some of that feeling when I call in to work
I have this work of art here in utah that needs a bail out. At least 200,000. I cal it “THE HOUSE OF SONOFDY!!!”
It is a classic art piece representing one mans attempt to stay warm and dry in a utah winter.
Me, too.
Wheres my money B!TCH!!!! (Aimed at congress not our michelle.
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:47 pm, sonofdy said:
I have this work of art here in utah that needs a bail out. At least 200,000. I cal it “THE HOUSE OF SONOFDY!!!”
It is a classic art piece representing one mans attempt to stay warm and dry in a utah winter.
————————————–
Let’s see . . . does it involve a comforter and (insert your choice of “adult beverage” here)?
The NEA, funding art that nobody wants.
If it gets me the money, it can be anything it needs to be.
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:50 pm, sonofdy said:
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:47 pm, sonofdy said:
If it gets me the money, it can be anything it needs to be.
————————————–
You know, that may be exactly what a lot of the “artistes” who want help from the NEA are thinking:
Let’s see . . . how can I get them to fund me . . . I know! I’ll come up with something so bad/controversial/weird that the vast majority of Americans won’t pay to see it, then I’ll cry that I’m being “censored” if the NEA won’t fund me! Eureka!
The reason this is such an important issue is that whoever controls the aesthetics of a people, controls the culture, hence the people themselves. This is not a new idea: György Lukács and Antonio Gramsci (both Marxist philosophers) postulated these very things in the early-mid 20th century. The words of a 17th century Scottish patriot, Andrew Fletcher, come to mind: “Give me the making of the songs of a nation, and I care not who writes its laws.” The same goes for art, cinema, science, state-run education… all of it. Whoever control these things, “We the People” or government, controls the nation. My question is: who’s it going to be?
I seem to recall President Reagan tried to close down the NEA but wasn’t able to. Anyone else have a memory of that? Too bad it wasn’t stopped back then.
On January 29th, 2009 at 3:56 pm, nhpatriot said:
I seem to recall President Reagan tried to close down the NEA but wasn’t able to. Anyone else have a memory of that? Too bad it wasn’t stopped back then.
————————————–
I remember Newt Gingrich and various other conservative politicians calling for it to be shut down due to some of the garbage that was being paid for with taxpayer dollars; I wouldn’t be surprised if Reagan felt the same way – and he was an ACTOR before he got into politics, for heaven’s sake!
I agree; I see no reason why we can’t let our various forms of art and artists succeed or fail on their own merits (or lack thereof).
I have a koran, a jar, and I need to pee. Can I get 50 grand for my pi$$ koran?
Thanks.
Artistic license
I just listened to our Michelle on Cavuto.
She said the Republicans need to stiffen their spines and other parts of their bodies.
WOW!
No I have a better one. This is a classic. I need a gulfstream jet so I can throw paint into the air coming out the back of the engine and splatter itself onto a canvas. I will call it jet stream art.
I will need a cool 8 million for this project.
No, but I’d give you about 50 minutes… before the crazed Religion of Peace-niks start hammering on your door with the hilts of their butcher knives.
And president of the Screen Actor’s Guild…during which time he began his fight against communism and eventually left the Democrat party when he saw where it was heading.
OOOHHH OOOOHHH I have another. I can paint a canvas totaly black then put a red dot right in the middle and call it the dark soul of a murderer…
150 grand.
sonofdy, you really need to start putting this stuff into an NEA grant app…
On January 29th, 2009 at 4:24 pm, sonofdy said:
I have a koran, a jar, and I need to pee. Can I get 50 grand for my pi$$ koran?
Thanks.
————————————–
You’d think, if someone could do that to a crucifix, why not a koran? Whatever religious object is being desecrated, it’s “art” as long as you choose to call it that, right?
Right? . . .
*crickets chirping*
And I’ll explain what you mean by it to people for another 150 grand.
They will understand
On January 29th, 2009 at 4:29 pm, MtsEdge said:
sonofdy, you really need to start putting this stuff into an NEA grant app…
————————————–
Yes, and please share whatever response you get with the rest of us!
I claim a 25% finders fee…
On January 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm, MtsEdge said:
I wouldn’t be surprised if Reagan felt the same way – and he was an ACTOR before he got into politics, for heaven’s sake!
And president of the Screen Actor’s Guild…during which time he began his fight against communism and eventually left the Democrat party when he saw where it was heading.
————————————-
Yup, that’s our Gipper!
Crazy thing is I might get the cash!!!
LOL
If I could paint some of my nightmares from bosnia, I KNOW I would get the cash.
I did a work of art this morning in the loo—no, really, I did!
Mrswighttrasch is not a very good art critic though.
On January 29th, 2009 at 4:32 pm, sonofdy said:
sonofdy, you really need to start putting this stuff into an NEA grant app…
Crazy thing is I might get the cash!!!
LOL
————————————–
Especially for your “Black Soul Of A Murder” . . . let them think the “murderer” you’re referring to is Former Pres Bush (you won’t have to say it; that will be what they want to think. Just let them think it).
Nope – wouldn’t wash – that’s rooted in real-world experiences and is explainable. Real “ART” has absolutely no reference to reality at all – which is the reason most of us don’t understand it, or are repulsed by it.
NEA is nothing more that another Democrat funded voting block. Make anything that offends conservatives and you will get funding. A bunch of slacker on the dole for Obammy.
Unless there really are half decayed corpses crawling out of mass graves, it would not be reality based. But onto more charefull things…. I really should try this, why not???
The same could be said to the auto industry.
opps, black is racist…. hmmm change that to the dark soul of a murderer…
Hmm. I guess “Polar Bear in a Snow Storm” is taken already…
I’m a published poet. I would dearly love the NEA to give me money to write more poetry, or for congress to give me a bailout.
Instead, I have a job.
Does that make me a bad poet?
But slaughtered polar bear in a snow storm is not. Think a red splotch on a totaly white background…
On January 29th, 2009 at 4:46 pm, Dexter Alarius said:
Hmm. I guess “Polar Bear in a Snow Storm” is taken already…
—————————————
If one is to depict a Polar Bear and get NEA funding, said polar bear must be swimming and looking for an icecap to sit on (of course, there is none to be found) or else floating off to sea on a piece of melted off icecap. Any depiction of happy polar bears in their natural, plentiful habitat is forbidden, for such is heresy according to the Goracle.
irving
http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/Lit.html
150 grand avaiable….
If I lay a canvas flat on the floor next to the couch, I could probably create a work entitled “Too Much Tequila”.
I suffer for my art.
The key is to create absolute crap that intelectuals can stare at for hours to find meaning that really isn’t there. Then sell said crap for tens of thousands of dollars. Talent is irrelevant.
Got it!
A tangle of night crawlers on a black, starry backgound: Global Worming!
On January 29th, 2009 at 4:51 pm, Dexter Alarius said:
If I lay a canvas flat on the floor next to the couch, I could probably create a work entitled “Too Much Tequila”.
I suffer for my art.
————————————–
Make sure you put something sacred to Christians on said canvas . . . or maybe an Ann Coulter book. The NEA will eat it up (please pardon the expression . . . )
I don’t think it’s for people like me. I’m not gay and I don’t hate America.
Vomit art. The expresion of the dark side of life through the explusion of biological material aided by the degragtion of tequila. 100 grand.
Speaking of nuts a la the NEA, this was too good not to share. The “Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission”? What. The. Hell.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/27/BASK15HJ10.DTL&tsp=1
You insult me with such a paltry sum!
I’ll take it.
On January 29th, 2009 at 4:57 pm, redpeach said:
Speaking of nuts a la the NEA, this was too good not to share. The “Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission”? What. The. Hell.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/27/BASK15HJ10.DTL&tsp=1
————————————-
What. The. Hell. Squared.
On January 29th, 2009 at 5:01 pm, Dexter Alarius said:
Vomit art. The expresion of the dark side of life through the explusion of biological material aided by the degragtion of tequila. 100 grand.
You insult me with such a paltry sum!
I’ll take it.
————————————-
Why, Dexter, you mean you were only in this for the money all along?! I’m shocked, I say, SHOCKED!
Its berkley. Do you really need to know anything more?
On January 29th, 2009 at 5:07 pm, sonofdy said:
What. The. Hell. Squared.
Its berkley. Do you really need to know anything more?
—————————————
They certainly have earned the nickname “berzerkley”.
One must eat.
Have you seen the price of wagyu lately?
Does this mean that President Obama is going to get a lot of black and white pictures of bullwhips for the Oval Office?