Problem
The National Endowment for the Arts gave significant amounts of support to artists and arts organizations during the sixties and seventies, but its budget was cut in half during Reagan's first year in office. Previously, during Carter's administration, the NEA budget was one-tenth of the budget for military bands. Awards were granted to those determined worthy by a "peer panel" of distinguished artists and scholars, and many of the projects were considered "on the cutting edge" of the arts and arts research although the bulk of the NEA's support went also to symphony orchestras, opera companies and other well-established arts organizations. During the eighties the NEA contributed to the support of some controversial art shows and performances by Robert Maplethorpe, Andres Serrano, etc. which was brought to the attention of the more conservative members of congress by the Religious Right. The NEA's funding was cut further and came very close to being eliminated completely. Jesse Helms was the most outspoken advocate for congressional control over the content of what may be funded by the NEA.
I. Read Jesse Helms' article "You are What You Condone" and view Piss Christ by Andres Serrano and Thomas by Robert Maplethorpe mentioned in his article.
See study materials section of this page to view these readings.
II. Write a short reaction to the reading and art works,