CAA News Today

The election in the U.S. Senate was a plus for the federal cultural agencies, as three vocal opponents were defeated. They include Spencer Abraham (R-MI) who was defeated by Debbie Stabenow; John Ashcroft (R-MO), who was defeated by Jean Carnahan; and Rod Grams (R-MN), who was defeated by Mark Dayton. Other new senators likely to be favorable to the arts and humanities include: Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and Ben Nelson (D-NE).

The Center for Arts and Culture in Washington, D.C., is near completion of a cultural policy document to present to the incoming administration. The document entitled, “Creative Transition,” will focus on the following policy areas: creativity and the law; globalization; access & equity, preservation; community life; federal funding; education; and support for creative workers. Recommendations for the new administration include establishing a cultural advisor to the president; establishing a joint Congressional Committee on Culture; and appointing an undersecretary of culture to the State Department.

This initial nonpartisan document will be followed by a series of more in-depth issue briefs that explore the effect individual national policies have on creativity in the U.S. “Creative Transition” and all subsequent issue briefs will be available to the public at www.culturalpolicy.org.