was created by Presidential Executive Order in 1982 to encourage private sector support and to increase public appreciation of the value of the arts and the humanities through projects, publications and meetings
This page was last updated on: June 15, 2005
Our country abounds in the necessaries, the arts and the comforts of life.
--James Madison
Second Inaugural Address
March 4, 1813
Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease,
tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce.
--John F. Kennedy
Inaugural Address
January 20, 1961
As a nation, we must continue to recognize the importance of the arts in building strong and vibrant communitites.
The winning artwork will be sent to Washington DC and exhibited in the US Capitol Complex.
For more information, contact:
Congressmember Robert Matsui's office: (916) 498-5600
Congressmember Doug Ose's office: (916) 489-3684 Staff Member Izabelle Ponce
Artwork Due: May 1 * Judging: May 8 * Winner Announced: May 10 *
Exhibition in Washington, DC: June 24, 2003
Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in 4,500 local contests across the nation.
2002 Winners * "Self Image"
First Place: Sheldon High School senior Mario Sosa
"Mario: The Aztec Warrior" depicted a tradition Native American headdress in white charcoal on plack paper
Second Place: Sheldon High School junior Kaelin Burg
"Pondering the Possibilities" a work in pencil
Third Place: C.K. McClatchy High School senior Philip Vasquez
"Untitled" oil on canvas
2001 Winners * "An Artistic Discovery"
First Place: Sheldon High School senior Lesley Estrada
"Epilogue: Chapter 1" a self portrait
2000 WInner * "Diversity in Sacramento"
First Place: Natomas Charter Performing and Fine Arts Academy junior Marissa Lopez
"California State Capitol"
National Survey by Americans for the Arts found that from the adults polled
91% think the arts are vital to a well-rounded education for children
95% agree arts teaches creativity and self-expression
89% thiink arts education is important enough to be included in school curriculum
Does your Congress Representative know what America is thinking? Write and tell them today!
Nonprofit Arts generates $134 billion annually: Read about it in the Washington Post
I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architection, statuary, tapestry, and porcelains.
--John Adams to Abigail Adams
May 12, 1780
Write Your Representative
Explain the Value of Arts to California and the Nation
The House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Appropriations has jurisdiction over the amound of federal funding provided to all federal agencies and programs, including the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanitites, Office of Museum Services and US Department of Education (arts education programs.
Congressman John Doolittle (R-Sacramento) sits on the House Committee
His Arts Staffer's name is Kara Dougherty Email doolittle@mail.house.gov
Senator Diane Feinstein (D-California) sits on the Senate Committee
Her Arts Staffer's name is Nicole Brownlee Email senator@feinstein.senate.gov
Interior & Related Agencies Appropriations Bill Fiscal Year 2004
funds the following:
Department of the Interior, Programs within the Forest Service,
Department of Energy, Indian Health Service,
Smithsonian Institution, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA),
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH),
and other cultural organizations.
ISSUES BEFORE THE 108TH CONGRESS Second Session (2004)
National Endowment for the Arts funding, National Endowment for the Humanities funding, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Office of Museum Services, US Department of Education Arts Education program funding, Tax Deductibility for Artists' Gifts, Nonprofit tax issues, Improving Visa Approval for Foreign Guest Artists, International Cultural Exchange funding, and Trasnportation "Enhancements" reauthorization. Click here for Legislation Action Alert
Not a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus.
Voted NO to increase NEA.
Call and ask him Why?
Not a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus.
Voted NO to increase NEA.
Call and ask him why.
Not a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus. Voted NOto increase NEA.
