Lily Rosenberg ’22
Photo courtesy of Ashley Kennedy
As the Biden administration transitions into power, many hope to see changes in arts funding. Under President Obama, there was an increase in funding for the art industry, indicating that the Biden administration will be a strong advocate in this endeavor as well.
Despite this potential increase in spending, the COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges. Inevitably, the funding of the art industry will appear quite different from years past. Most public art museums are closed, resulting in a substantial loss in revenue. As a result, artistic organizations and institutions like these are in jeopardy and are more reliant than ever on government funding.
Artist Madeleine Ott ‘22 shares her opinion on this issue, stating, “I am hopeful that the Biden administration will dedicate more support and funding for the arts in our country than in previous years.” She adds, “because the Trump administration has repeatedly proposed eliminating the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, I think it is vital that the next administration encourage and facilitate artistic expression across our country, not repress it.” She also shares her opinion on school funding for art programs, commenting that “the Biden Administration’s increased support will hopefully bring much needed funding and attention to school art programs across the country, especially those suffering from financial constraints during these tough times.” Josephine Buccini ‘21, who has taken many art electives throughout her time at Episcopal, agrees with Ott saying, “Obviously I think that there are artists on all sides of the spectrum, but I think so many artists are liberal because art tends to be a way to advocate for social change, so I think many artists will be happy with the implementation of our new administration.” Buccini further explains how she hopes the new administration will increase spending from the last one stating, “under the Trump Administration, Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education tried to cut federal funding in budget proposals for many schools, and I think that the arts are often the first to go because people see them as unimportant. So, hopefully that won’t still happen.”
Although COVID will still undeniably be present, causing major setbacks and unexpected occurrences, many EA students are hopeful there will be an increase in federal recognition and funding for the arts under the new administration.