It is my opinion that the role of the arts in our country is that they are part of our educational system. The arts and art education teach us design, organization, cooperation, creativity, risk-taking, and most of all that we need to be active participants in our society. I believe that education is a main priority and therefore art should be as well. Since 1965 the most prominent source of government support for the arts has …showed first 75 words of 593 total…

…showed last 75 words of 593 total…be lost because of a few obtuse decisions and a dedication in some quarters to outmoded and even pernicious ideas." (Hilton Kramer) If we were to cut all funding to the NEA we would impact society in a frightening way. The arts enrich our lives and communities, create jobs, and revitalize down towns which attract new businesses, celebrate and preserve our rich diverse culture and heritage, and promote freedom of expression. The arts are essential.