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EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

The debate over public arts
funding is a work in progress

by Peggy Boyer Long

As far as we know, no one has Crafted a sculpture or created a painting entitled "devolution," but that might be appropriate. When the 105th Congress convenes next year, it's clear members will again take up the debate over the responsibility of government. And the relationship between Washington and the arts community is very much a work in progress.

Gayle Worland writes in this issue (see page 6) that the "battle over federal arts funding is a fascinating illustration of two fundamentally different views of government's role." Those two views, she notes, are embodied in two of Illinois' own congressmen: Democrat Sidney R. Yates of Chicago, one of the best friends of the arts on Capitol Hill, and Republican Philip M. Crane of Mount Pleasant, one of the worst foes.

Illinois is among the top five recipients of funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, but the level of direct grants to organizations in the state has been dropping. In short, arts groups in this state are coping with huge cuts in federal dollars, and advocates worry about new threats next year.

At the same time, Illinois' support for the arts remains low relative to other states. Lawmakers boosted spending on the arts for fiscal 1997. But we're running from behind. In fiscal 1996, we ranked 40th in per capita spending on the arts. (We spend 47 cents per resident, while first-ranked Hawaii spends $5.16.)

Still, Illinoisans can be justly proud of two programs. One is Art-in-Architecture (see page 12), which incorporates art into public building projects. The other is the artisan shop program run by the State Museum Society, which helps artists find buyers (see page 15). Laura Loyacono of the Conference of State Legislatures says that program is a model for states looking for creative ways to support the arts.

The hand-cut crystal (left) was made by artisan Kurt Strobach of Crystal Lake. The photograph of his work was provided by the Illinois State Museum, which runs the state's three artisan shops. The sculpture "Alpha Centurian" (center) is by Terrence Karpowicz. His piece, created through the state's Art-in-Architecture program, is located at the Illinois revenue department building in Springfield. The photograph was provided by the Capitol Development Board. Alfred Vorreyer of New Lenox created the iron sculpture. The photograph was provided by the State Museum.

4 / December 1996 Illinois Issues