Impact of Obama's Election on the Arts
Americans for the Arts, November 5, 2008:
Americans for the Arts Action Fund President and CEO Robert L. Lynch gave the following statement on the results of Election Day:
“The historic election of Sen. Barack Obama to be the 44th president of the United States will have tremendous impact on the nation’s arts community, public schools, and creative workforce. His commitment to arts and arts education on the campaign trail is just a preview of what his administration can accomplish. President-Elect Obama demonstrates the leadership and vision to advance the arts in America through investing in more arts education in public schools, advocating for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, promoting cultural diplomacy, and supporting artists rights.
Yesterday’s election results also expanded the base of support for the arts in Congress, which will help move arts and arts education initiatives through the legislative process. Initiatives that will fuel innovation and creativity are key to our economic recovery and global competitiveness. A new report issued last month by The Conference Board, “Ready to Innovate,” touts the importance of arts education in building the 21st-century workforce. The arts are good for business, good for the economy, and good for the spirit.
Next Steps:
On Thursday, November 20, a detailed analysis of the presidental, congressional, state and local elections and ballot initiatives will be presented in a webinar. Several national arts leaders and elected officials will join the Americans for the Arts Government Affairs Staff in presenting this information including former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and newly appointed head of the Obama tranisition team for arts and culture, Bill Ivey.
Americans for the Arts and its Arts Action Fund will be undertaking a number of comprehensive initiatives to welcome and educate both the new administration and new members of the House and Senate, but we can’t do this without you! Starting today and in the next few months we ask you to:
- Send a letter of congratulations to the new Obama administration on their victory and appeal to them to begin working on their campaign pledges in support of the arts and arts education.
- Ask all freshmen members of Congress to join the Congressional Arts Caucus.
- Request that new members become a co-sponsor of the important Artist-Museum Partnership Act, which President-Elect Obama has cited as a priority in his pro-arts platform.
- Call on Congress to support increased funding for the nation’s cultural agencies in the new budget year.
