The debate rages on

Are arts professionals - artists, fundraisers, janitors, ushers, and the list goes on - actually employed? Are those 'real' jobs? That is the question raised by the $50 million allocated for the NEA in the stimulus plan.

The latest report from the NY Times is that a deal has been reached on a $789 billion dollar stimulus plan, read the article here. Leaving out the proposed NEA funding.

Chris Jones' article has sparked an ongoing debate with two pages of very interesting comments. Check it out again and read through what has been said. I believe that Luke is being sarcastic, unfortunately his comments do nothing to further the argument that the arts have a relevant argument for receiving stimulus money.

Andrew Taylor had a great view on the argument, read it here.

LA's Culture Monster blog had an interesting post regarding Senator Tom Coburn which sparked debate regarding 'artistes' and navel gazing.

The can of worms that has been opened with this debate is at the core of the issues debated during the National Performing Arts Convention. We will not increase federal funding or support if we cannot collectively advocate for $50 million to stave off incredible job losses (at the heart of what the stimulus plan is supposed to do).

As arts professionals continue to debate this issue, I don't see anyone raising more effective tools for galvanizing support other than writing letters. I guess there are those wonderful Americans for the Arts ads... In times like these, are letter writing campaigns effective?

The auto industry poured millions into lobbying for a bail-out. I'd be curious to see if the total spent lobbying comes relatively close to the $50 million earmarked for the NEA.

Who is lobbying for the arts? How are our advocacy organization - American for the Arts, TCG, etc. - furthering our cause in the national press and with law makers?

There is a lot of traffic right now regarding the role of government funding in the arts and its role in society. Over the next few posts I am going to take some time framing my own arguments for support.