Public Life of the Arts in America

Art and entertainment constitute America's second-largest export. Host Americans -- 96%, to be exact -- are somehow involved in the arts, whether as audience participants, hobbyists, or via broadcast, recording, video, or the Internet. The contribution of the arts to the U.S. economy is stunning: the non-profit arts industry alone contributes more than $857 billion per year, and America's fine and performing arts enjoy world-class status.Despite its size, quality, and economic impact, the arts community is not articulate about how they serve public interests, and few citizens have an appreciation of the myriad public policies that affect American arts and culture. The contributors to this volume argue that U.S. policy can -- and should -- support the arts and that the arts, in turn, serve a broad rather than an elite public. Indeed, increased support for the arts and culture equals good economic and trade policy; it also enhances the quality of life and of community, and helps sustain the creativity of American artists and organizations.By encouraging policymakers to systematically start investigating the crucial role and importance of all the arts in the United States. The Public Life of the Arts in America moves the field forward with fresh ideas, new concepts, and important new data.Cherbo, Joni Maya is the author of 'Public Life of the Arts in America', published 2000 under ISBN 9780813527680 and ISBN 0813527686.