THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 27, 1995 TAG: 9501270008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
The United States ranks dead last in the industrialized world in arts funding now. Why would we cut funds to the Public Broadcasting System, National Public Radio or the National Endowment for the Arts?
Virginia ranks 48th of the 50 states in per-capita arts funding. Why would we cut funds to the Virginia Commission for the Arts? Arts funding is a pittance relative to the overall government budgets. There is clearly no bigger ``bang for the buck'' in any field than in the arts. It is a major factor in the way that comparative ``standard of living'' studies are weighted.
Arts funding is high-profile and controversial. It can be used to create an emotional smoke screen. Government officials should realize, though, that many people scrutinize their spending policies with intellect rather than emotion. Because a healthy arts environment attracts industry, reductions in arts funding result in phony budgetary savings and real reductions in the revenue base.
We measure the greatness of past civilizations by their art. High art, while it's not always ``commercially viable,'' is the true measure of a civilization. The purpose of PBS, NPR, the NEA and the VCA is to provide those things which are of great value but which can't directly pay for themselves.
I believe we should strive to make our country and our state models of culture to be admired and emulated. Cutting arts funding will make them laughingstocks instead.
The Virginia General Assembly provides a toll-free number which citizens may use to express their opinions on legislation. If you want to save arts funding in Virginia, call 1-800-889-0229 NOW!
JOHN WINSOR
Chesapeake, Jan. 11, 1995 by CNB