Presidential Candidates and the Arts
From My Dance Place, the dancer universe blog which highlighted how each of the front running candidates supported the arts.
Barack Obama:
-Supports increasing funding for the NEA from $125 million to $175 million annually
-Wants to expand both public and private partnerships between schools and arts organizations
-Supports the creation of an "Artists Corp" to work in low-income communities
-Promotes cultural diplomacy (send performance artists abroad)
-Welcomes international artists into the US
-Wants to provide health care to artists and their family members
-Supports ensuring tax fairness for artists
-As Senator, co-sponsored and passed legislation to honor the legacy of Katherine Dunham
-Supports the Artists-Museum Partnership Act, which allows artists to deduct the fair market value of their work when making charitable contributions
Hillary Clinton:
-Supports the NEA's mission and increasing Federal funding for the NEA
-Wants to reform No Child Left Behind to strengthen funding for arts education in public schools
-Believes in international cultural exchange as a form of diplomacy
-Supporter of Public Broadcasting
-Created the Finger Lakes Trading Cooperative, an initiative that links local businesses with artisans in upstate NY
-Helped to develop affordable living/work space for artists in Buffalo
-Entered a statement to the Senate Congressional Record in support of creative arts therapies
-As First Lady, was the honorary chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities
John McCain:
-In 1999, voted NO on funding for the National Endowment of the Arts
-Does not support abolishing the NEA
-Voted in favor of the Helms Amendment to withdraw Federal funding grants to art considered "obscene"
-An honorary member of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, 1997-present
-2007, proposed a bill to protect Indian arts and crafts
Finding information on Obama's and Clinton's positions on the arts was relatively easy. Both candidates support Federal funding for the arts and art education, and both have shown a lifelong commitment to preserving and strengthening the arts in America. John McCain, on the other hand, seems to have much less involvement in the arts. Although he does not suggest abolishing the NEA, he has voted against Federal funding for the NEA numerous times.
Hopefully this information will help you decide which candidate to support in the primary and the general election in November. Many people think that politics doesn't affect them, but now you know that as dancers, choreographers, studio owners, company directors, and performers, elected officials have the power to directly impact your lives for better or for worse. Unfortunately, the arts are always in jeopardy, which means your jobs and your livelihoods could be as well. So, why not do a few minutes of research and get involved. You owe it to yourself and your fellow dancers.
Happy voting!
Barack Obama:
-Supports increasing funding for the NEA from $125 million to $175 million annually
-Wants to expand both public and private partnerships between schools and arts organizations
-Supports the creation of an "Artists Corp" to work in low-income communities
-Promotes cultural diplomacy (send performance artists abroad)
-Welcomes international artists into the US
-Wants to provide health care to artists and their family members
-Supports ensuring tax fairness for artists
-As Senator, co-sponsored and passed legislation to honor the legacy of Katherine Dunham
-Supports the Artists-Museum Partnership Act, which allows artists to deduct the fair market value of their work when making charitable contributions
Hillary Clinton:
-Supports the NEA's mission and increasing Federal funding for the NEA
-Wants to reform No Child Left Behind to strengthen funding for arts education in public schools
-Believes in international cultural exchange as a form of diplomacy
-Supporter of Public Broadcasting
-Created the Finger Lakes Trading Cooperative, an initiative that links local businesses with artisans in upstate NY
-Helped to develop affordable living/work space for artists in Buffalo
-Entered a statement to the Senate Congressional Record in support of creative arts therapies
-As First Lady, was the honorary chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities
John McCain:
-In 1999, voted NO on funding for the National Endowment of the Arts
-Does not support abolishing the NEA
-Voted in favor of the Helms Amendment to withdraw Federal funding grants to art considered "obscene"
-An honorary member of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, 1997-present
-2007, proposed a bill to protect Indian arts and crafts
Finding information on Obama's and Clinton's positions on the arts was relatively easy. Both candidates support Federal funding for the arts and art education, and both have shown a lifelong commitment to preserving and strengthening the arts in America. John McCain, on the other hand, seems to have much less involvement in the arts. Although he does not suggest abolishing the NEA, he has voted against Federal funding for the NEA numerous times.
Hopefully this information will help you decide which candidate to support in the primary and the general election in November. Many people think that politics doesn't affect them, but now you know that as dancers, choreographers, studio owners, company directors, and performers, elected officials have the power to directly impact your lives for better or for worse. Unfortunately, the arts are always in jeopardy, which means your jobs and your livelihoods could be as well. So, why not do a few minutes of research and get involved. You owe it to yourself and your fellow dancers.
Happy voting!
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