Local artists worry about proposed NEA cuts

Members of the Philadelphia arts community gathered at the University of the Arts Saturday to discuss how reduced funding from the National Endowment for the Arts would impact the city's cultural resources. Organized by English Professor Bob Perelman, the event drew a crowd of approximately 60 people representing organizations ranging from the Painted Bride Art Center to the Institute of Contemporary Art. With the Republican sweep in last November's Congressional elections, many artists have reason to question how long cultural activity will continue in Philadelphia and around the country. Hoping to dramatically reduce spending, several legislators have proposed eliminating the NEA, the largest single supporter of the arts, and leaving private corporations and donors to compensate. If the government cuts the NEA, the 20 people who spoke at the forum emphasized, many organizations that cultivate the arts would not have the money to continue. There is not enough corporate funding to make up for NEA grants, and those corporations that do donate money are often unwilling to finance lesser-known artists. "The argument that is put forward seems to be that people are saying we haven't tested this premise yet," said Mark Weber, president of the Pennsylvania Composer's Forum. "But, the fact is we have. We've tested it for the past five years." Because NEA funding has decreased in relation to inflation in the past five years, private corporations are even more reluctant to donate money, Weber said. "When the NEA acts, people follow," he added. "The NEA, for better or for worse, is a stamp of approval." One major objection legislators have with the NEA is that only the elite can appreciate many of the works produced with its funding. But several speakers refuted this argument, giving examples of how they try to make the arts more accessible to the public and more representative of the community. Katy Milligan, who sings for the Mendlessohn Club of Philadelphia, explained that while her group still performs pieces by Stravinsky and Mozart, it has collaborated with Korean and Chinese choirs. The Mendelssohn Club also plans to feature 20th century African American composers. Hoping to exhibit prints in Senegal, Sam Young, the president of the board of the Fabric Workshop, said his organization also teaches inner- city children about fabric printing. The artists who spoke implored audience members to unify politically and write letters to legislators, stressing that art enriches society. "Artists are like a canary in the mind," Young said. "They keep things alive."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.