    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 11, 1997]
    [Pages 943-944]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting the Report of the
    National Endowment for the Arts
    July 11, 1997

    To the Congress of the United States:
        It is my pleasure to transmit the Annual Report of the National
    Endowment for the Arts for 1996.
        One measure of a great nation is the vitality of its culture, the
    dedication of its people to nurturing a climate where creativity can
    flourish. By supporting our museums and theaters, our dance companies
    and symphony orchestras, our writers and our artists, the National
    Endowment for the Arts provides such a climate. Look

    [[Page 944]]

    through this report and you will find many reasons to be proud of our
    Nation's cultural life at the end of the 20th century and what it
    portends for Americans and the world in the years ahead.
        Despite cutbacks in its budget, the Endowment was able to fund
    thousands of projects all across America--a museum in Sitka, Alaska; a
    dance company in Miami, Florida; a production of a Eugene O'Neill play
    in New York City; a Whistler exhibition in Chicago; and artists in
    schools in all 50 States. Millions of Americans were able to see plays,
    hear concerts, and participate in the arts in their hometowns, thanks to
    the work of this small agency.
        As we set our priorities for the coming years, let's not forget the
    vital role the National Endowment for the Arts must continue to play in
    our national life. The Endowment shows the world that we take pride in
    American culture here and abroad. It is a beacon, not only of
    creativity, but of freedom. And let us keep that lamp brightly burning
    now and for all time.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    July 11, 1997.