I think it's a matter of allocation of resources and how each party feels
its constituents would like to see their tax dollars spent. Typically
that's not towards the arts or museums, when it's presented as a choice
between arts vs. health care, or arts vs. wage supports. It's never that
simple, and certain legislators insist on phrasing it that way.
What dismays me the most is that there are all kinds of pronouncements from
the top (such as the "no child left behind" act) that require specific
actions with no funding in place to back it up. I feel that this
administration is making certain policy demands and then pushing the burden
of funding the initiatives down to the state level, when states are strapped
enough as it is. The losers in this scenario typically are the state-funded
museums and historical societies, which are sacrificed to redirect funding
to these mandated initiatives.
Julia Muney Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center
820 E. 67th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-2464 x233
FAX (317) 254-0486
email <[log in to unmask]>
website <http://www.indplsartcenter.org>
-----Original Message-----
From: John Martinson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2003 10:02 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Democrat/Republican Funding of Museum poll
I was interested in seeing your opinion with the present situation of
funding or lack thereof of museums. Earlier I was thinking about this, but
a related article in the "hot topic" section of the AASLH webpage caught my
attention, which states:
"That is why the American Association for State and Local History is deeply
concerned over the draconian reductions in public funding of historical
organizations and activities that currently are being made across the
country, most egregiously at the state level. These reductions demonstrate a
wanton disregard of the relationship of the past to the future of the
democratic institutions that define America and its position in the world.
The threat to state historical resources and institutions is especially
alarming. State libraries and archives, historical collections and museums,
historic sites, and other historical resources are not frills to be
discarded when budgets are tight or to accomplish particular political
agendas. They are essential trustees of our democratic inheritance."
My questions:
1. Do you feel funding for museums/historic sites, etc., are assisted
supported and/or funded more by a Democrat or Republican administration?
2. Do you feel it is not the administration but the economy that has
reduced funding to museums since 9/11?
3. Has funding sources increased, decreased or changed since 9/11 for your
organization?
4. Has your organization found additional funding sources that has kept you
at the same level prior to 9/11?
Of course, I have my own opinion of which party supports museums, the arts,
National Parks and heritage programs, but wanted to see what the group
thinks.
And to all --- a Happy New Year!
John
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