In this paper prepared for the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in May 1985, the author examines some of the underlying patterns of funding adopted by the NEA in the twenty years of its existence. In principle, the Endowment is a non-political, non-partisan agency; one resembling the National Science Foundation rather than the Department of Education. In practice of course, it is shaped by political trends.

In November of 1978, the Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities invited leaders from business, government, and the arts to bring their combined experience to bear on the fiscal problems facing the Commonwealth's cultural community. The specific charge of the Task Force was to formulate recommendations that would strengthen the base of support for all of the state's cultural resources. After a year-long volunteer effort, the Task Force has fulfilled its charge. The task Force proposes eight recommendations in all: five have been filed as bills in the 1980 legislative...

In 1982, The Urban Institute began a three year project to examine the shifts in economic and social policies occurring under the Reagan administration. This book is the first product of that effort. When President Reagan assumed office in January 1981, the nation faced high inflation, sluggish economic growth, rapidly rising federal expenditures, and an inadequate defense budget. In response, the president proposed a comprehensive plan designed to bolster the nation's economy, strengthen its defense, and reduce the role of government. Major shifts in federal regulation, tax, and...

Hearings to examine issues relating to deductions from income taxes for contributions of art to museums and other institutions; held in Washington, D.C., August 4, 1983. Includes testimony and statements by government officials and arts leaders and other documentation. The Committee's mandate is oversight only and cannot submit legislation but is able to draft and forward recommendations. The hearing is concerned with three issues: 1) current IRS tax laws which rely on voluntary compliance; 2) inherent ethical standards that apply to all groups involved, i.e. donors, museum curators,...

Hearings on S. 795, a bill to amend the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, and for other purposes; S. 916, a bill to amend the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, as amended; H.R. 3926, a bill to extend the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act; H.R. 4288, a bill to amend the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965, as amended; held in Washington, D.C., March 6,7, and 8, 1973.

Hearings on S. 741, a bill to provide for the establishment of a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts to assist in the growth and development of the fine arts in the U.S.; S. 785, a bill to establish a program of grants to states for the development of programs and projects in the arts, and for other purposes; and S. 1250, a bill to establish the Arts foundation. Hearings held in Washington, D.C., August 29, 30 and 31, 1962. Includes text of bills, testimony by government officials and arts leaders, supporting statements, related articles, letters and other documents supporting the...