The Power of Supporting the Arts in Uncertain Times
In the wake of the 2024 election, our nation finds itself at a crossroads, deeply divided and uncertain about the future. In such times, it is often the arts that are first to come under attack, labeled as unnecessary or even provocative. Yet, it is precisely their transformative power that we need now more than ever.
Artistic expression has the unique ability to reveal truths, distill complex issues, and foster empathy. It is through the arts that we can find common ground, challenge perspectives, and ignite the spark of change. However, as traditional arts organizations face the genuine possibility of being defunded, it falls upon us to safeguard this vital part of our culture.
The future of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is likely dim. With ongoing political battles and growing hostility toward federally funded programs, the NEA may not survive the next four years. This would mark a devastating blow to the countless organizations, artists, and communities that rely on its support. Without the NEA, many arts organizations — particularly those in underserved communities — will struggle to keep their doors open. Theaters, museums, and performance groups that enrich our lives and connect us may disappear.
History offers a chilling reminder of what happens when the arts are suppressed. In 1930s Germany, the Nazi regime targeted modern art, branding it “degenerate” and mocking it in exhibitions designed to ridicule and discredit its creators. This assault on creative freedom was not just an attack on individuals but an attempt to control the cultural narrative and suppress dissent. Today, we are witnessing a similar trend as arts and cultural funding come under fire and book bans rise. These efforts are not just attacks on art but attempts to silence the diverse voices and perspectives that make up our shared cultural fabric.
If we do nothing, the loss will be profound. Arts organizations are only built to weather prolonged financial hardship with help. Unlike businesses, they are not profit-driven; their purpose is to serve the public good. If government support vanishes, it will take our collective effort to fill the gap. The next four years will be critical in determining whether the arts will continue to thrive or fade into history.
So, what can we do? The answer lies in small, tangible actions. Become a member of your local museum. Buy season tickets to your community theater. Attend lectures, gallery openings, and film screenings. We need to turn off the news, step away from the constant churn of information, and immerse ourselves in spaces that cultivate joy and understanding — whether that’s a bookstore, a theater, or a museum. These simple acts not only ensure the survival of the arts but also enrich our own lives, connecting us to our shared humanity.
Symbolic gestures like buying blue wristbands or sharing hashtags can feel cathartic, but they don’t create lasting change. Instead, let’s focus on actions that have a direct impact. Consider giving theater tickets as gifts for holidays or special occasions. Donate to arts organizations. Support local bookstores by purchasing bookshop gift cards or gifting thought-provoking literature. These choices sustain the economy, promote sustainability, and bring joy — actions that are both meaningful and impactful.
Gifting books is a compelling way to resist censorship. By sharing literature with others, we pass along not just a physical object but the gift of ideas, stories, and perspectives that can open minds and foster understanding. Giving bookshop gift cards allows recipients to choose their literary adventure, further supporting independent bookstores in the process.
In making these choices, we actively participate in preserving intellectual freedom. We ensure that the power of the written word remains a force for enlightenment, empathy, and change. This holiday season, or for any special occasion, consider giving the gift of a book — a simple act that can have a profound impact.
The arts are not just a luxury; they are a necessity. They serve as a mirror, reflecting our society to us and challenging us to see the world through different lenses. They remind us of our shared humanity, especially in a deeply polarized world. By collectively supporting the arts, we ensure their survival and continue to enrich our lives and communities.
While the political climate may demoralize and exhaust us, we must remember that we have the power to shape our cultural landscape. Supporting the arts is an act of resistance and resilience. It is a declaration that we value creativity, diversity, and the free exchange of ideas. It is a commitment to leaving the world a more prosperous, more vibrant place for future generations.
Without our intervention, the arts may not survive the next four years. If we value the theaters, museums, and artistic spaces that have given us so much, we must act now. The arts cannot thrive without us. They need our attendance, our attention, and our financial support. So, the next time you’re looking for a way to make a difference, consider this: turn off the news, buy that ticket, visit that exhibition, and let the arts remind you of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. After all, no one else is going to save the arts but us.
