[Fmpro] Yes We Can

[Rick Blanc]

When discussing arts funding in the American system there are a couple points, often overlooked, worth considering.  There are many incentives built into the tax code for philanthropy, including incentives for giving to the arts.  American philanthropy is currently at its highest ever levels.  Private philanthropy -- as opposed to say, NEA funding -- is less susceptible to political mood swings making it a more dependable revenue source for any cultural institution.  This is fundamentally how the issue has been approached in this country.  Private philanthropy also doesn't depend on political consensus, and political consensus is much more difficult to achieve in a heterogeneous society (USA) than in a homogeneous one (European countries).  While I would agree that we here in the US could do better, all is not lost, in my opinion.

Rick