[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E350-E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL ARTS ADVOCACY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 1998

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, today is National Arts Advocacy 
Day, a time to focus on the fact that American creativity is driven by 
the arts. The most creative aspect of American art springs from our 
diversity. The history of the United States is depicted by the arts--
paintings, photography, dancing, music, poetry, theater, literature, 
architecture.
  National Arts Advocacy Day is a day in which we can realize the 
importance of the arts to our culture and economy. It is a day to 
remember that the arts are an integral part of our lives in both rural 
and urban communities. San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City all 
revolve around the arts. Where would those cities be without such 
enthusiasm for the world of art and the revenue derived from public 
support of the arts?
  We are working in the U.S. Capitol, a living museum of art and 
history that tells the story of democracy in the United States. Yet 
today, more than ever, what this building demonstrates is the creative 
talent of this country displayed in priceless paintings, photographs, 
works of sculpture in Statuary Hall, and in the very architecture of 
the building which is the symbol of the greatest democracy in the 
world.
  We must invest more money in the arts to perpetuate creativity in 
future generations. The return on every federal dollar invested in the 
arts is phenomenal. Every $1 of federal support for the arts--local 
ballets, music concerts, theater--generates an average of $12 in 
matching funds. For the past two years the National Endowment for the 
Arts has requested $136 million dollars from Congress to

[[Page E351]]

fund their organization. For fiscal year 1998, Congress budgeted only 
$98.5 million. The arts are not a frivolous, disposable commodity. They 
represent a significant part of our economy.
  On National Arts Advocacy Day, let us remember the importance of 
intellectual development that the arts foster. Let us remember how it 
not only enhances the beauty of our country, but the economy as well. I 
support all Americans involved in arts from children doing finger 
paintings, to the design of new monuments in Washington, D.C. that will 
remind all Americans of their history. Let us celebrate together the 
importance of arts by supporting a strong Federal role in their 
promotion.

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