May your bill (H.R. 4172) to establish a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts, as well as the National Cultural Development Act (H.R. 4174) find the needed support for enactment. For the past 25 years I have watched and, naturally, tried to help the development of an arts program in the United States. It has been a tough and sometimes hopeless task and only now has the note been struck which resounds success. I would like to volunteer my services in any way to help. Mr. THOMPSON. Do you have any questions? Mr. THOMPSON. Thank you very much, Doctor. FELIX W. SALMAGGI. I also ask unanimous consent that statements in support of the legislation by Harold Weston of New York be included. (The statements referred to follow :) TESTIMONY BY HAROLD WESTON RE H.R. 4172, FOR THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE ARTS AND GOVERNMENT My name is Harold Weston. I am chairman of the National Council on the Arts and Government. Much to my regret, prior engagements prevent my appearance before the Select Subcommittee on Education on May 15, 1961. Mr. Dick Moore, a member of the NCAG, has kindly consented to present this testimony. The NCAG is the only national organization in the United States consisting of distinguished representatives of all major art fields and dedicated to forwarding the arts through sound legislative and administrative procedures. It has become widely recognized for its leadership in the formulation and promotion of legislative measures for the arts. Since its decisions are determined by its members, many of whom are prominent in national organizations concerned with the arts, it would seem pertinent to identify the present membership and to request that the attached list be made a part of the record of this hearing. Our national council took part in the drafting of this legislation in 1955 and made strenuous efforts during the past 6 years to expedite the creation of a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts. Some 20 prominent witnesses testified for the NCAG in April 1956 at a hearing in New York City in favor of Senator Lehman's S. 3419, which was unanimously approved by the Senate on July 5 of that year. The Congressional Record of that date printed the names of over 300 cultural and civic leaders throughout the country who endorsed the NCAG appeal to Congress to enact this legislation. In May 1957 about 15 witnesses testified at NCAG request at a Senate committee hearing in New York City and over 400 eminent citizens signed our second appeal to Congress, a copy of which is submitted herewith to the committee. Representatives of the NCAG also testified at House hearings in 1955, 1956, and 1959 for this legislation. It seems redundant to restate the arguments in favor of a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts which has been endorsed by an overwhelming majority of organizations and citizens interested in the arts, by both Presidential candidates last fall, by the Democratic Party, and by its sponsors from both parties in both Houses of Congress. This legislation is generally considered the most important first step in Federal recognition of the role of the arts in our national welfare and in the development of closer relationship between the Federal Government and the arts. May I, however, call the committee's attention to one aspect which has not been stressed? The time has come when the Federal Government urgently needs to encourage the expansion of our cultural resources in cooperation with State and municipal governments and private initiative not only for our own citizens but also to main-tain at the highest possible level our cultural ammunition in the constantly intensifying cold war. Consultative bodies for all of the arts do not exist in the Federal structure to advise either Federal administrators or the Congress in meeting these responsibilities. Establishment of this Advisory Council would provide a system whereby committees of experts for advice about any field or fields of art could be promptly appointed when and as needed. This feature is relevant to the proposed National Cultural Development Act which this committee also has under consideration. The NCAG respectfully submits to the Select Subcommittee on Education two suggested amendments to H.R. 4172 and two points which we hope this subcommittee may wish to recommend for inclusion in the committee report which will accompany whatever Advisory Council bill may be approved by the Committee on Education and Labor. In the 86th Congress, in order to secure administration supprt and at the suggestion of the NCAG, a compromise text was introduced in both Houses by Members of both parties. This text eliminated certain provisions of the bill (S. 3419) approved by the Senate in 1956. The various bills introduced in the 87th Congress followed that compromise text with slight variations. S. 3419 specified that all seven major fields of art were to be equally represented on the Advisory Council. Its accompanying Committee Report No. 2409 emphasized the importance of a high degree of technical competence on the part of persons appointed to the Council, and an explanatory sentence about the three members who are not representatives of any one of the arts. The NCAG is well aware that strict apportionment on the Council of representation of art fields and their many subdivisions may not be desirable. The NCAG suggests the following amendment, which underscores more adequately than the present vague phrase "appropriate balance" the desirability of wide representation of these fields of art, yet does not restrict the President's choice unduly. Further, it emphasizes professional competence, which is, in our opinion, essential to successful operation of the Advisory Council. Incidentally, this amendment would militate against appointments motivated by political considerations. In H.R. 4172, section 2, page 2, line 22, after "television" it is suggested that the following sentence be substituted for the present sentence before the next sentence: "In view of the importance of including on the Council persons possessing a high degree of professional or technical competence in relation to the various art fields, the President is requested in making such appointments to give consideration to such recommendations as may from time to time be submitted to him by leading national organizations in these fields, and not more than three persons, appointed primarily for their general interest in the promotion, preservation, or patronage of the arts, shall serve on the Council at any one time." This amendment is included in H.R. 5408 introduced by Congressman John V. Lindsay but as a continuation of the same sentence. The second suggested amendment is of minor importance and is merely a safeguard in case a conflict of responsibilities is anticipated between the Federal Advisory Council on the Arts and the Advisory Committee on the Arts which already functions in relation to federally sponsored cultural programs overseas. The development of the arts in the United States undeniably has international implications, all the more so in view of the emphasis placed in Soviet propaganda on cultural matters. As stated in Committee Report No. 1660 which accompanied H.R. 7656 in the 86th Congress: "Not only does art enrich the lives of individual citizens, but our national life and the impact of our country abroad is enhanced by cultural development." The arts do not recognize national frontiers and one of the charges constantly repeated by Soviet propaganda is that our Government does almost nothing to support the arts. Naturally, the Advisory Council should not concern itself with projects or programs carried out overseas with assistance from the Government. That can be quite simply clarified by adding in section 7, page 7, line 5, to that sentence the following phrase: "and the Advisory Committee on the Arts." This amendment is included in H.R. 5408. In administering Federal legislation for the arts greatest care must be taken that the freedom of the arts shall be protected from esthetic bias and political censorship or controls. This objective cannot be written into legislation but can be expressed as an intent of Congress in a committee report. To this end, Committee Report No. 2409 which accompanied S. 3419 stated: "It is the intention of this committee that the Advisory Council, in carrying out its functions, shall not, directly or indirectly, infringe or attempt to infringe in any way, shape, or manner upon the freedom of expression in the arts or impose or attempt to impose any form of censorship or governmental control or direction of the arts." The NCAG most earnestly hopes that this or a similarly clear statement of intent will be favorably considered for inclusion in the committee report. This was not done in Committee Report No. 1660 which accompanied H.R. 7656 in the 86th Congress. The effectiveness of an advisory body depends in large measure on the leadership given by the chairman. He should not only have the requisite abilities but also be sufficiently free from other responsibilities to be able to devote the necessary amount of time and energy. Also it would be preferable if his interest was not concentrated on only one field of art. There should, of course, be no restrictions as to the choice of chairman. However, the committee report might appropriately suggest that, in making appointments of persons who had a general interest in the arts, qualities of leadership and willingness to spare adequate time to such efforts might be given special consideration. In conclusion, the members of the National Council on the Arts and Government are thoroughly convinced that the creation of a Federal Advisory Council will greatly stimulate the arts for the benefit of our people and our country. We are confident that the Committee on Education and Labor will expedite the enactment of this long-overdue legislation at this session of Congress. TESTIMONY RE H.R. 4174 FOR THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE ARTS AND GOVERNMENT The National Council on the Arts and Government considers the proposed National Cultural Development Act to be the most valuable way for the Federal Government to assist in forwarding the arts in the communities of the United States. We are enthusiastic about this legislation because it will stimulate State, municipal, and local action for the arts and therefore help in the long run to develop the arts more than any other method. However, there are areas of our country where there is pressing need for assistance to the arts to make them available to the population in those areas where State and local initiative is now lacking. Consequently, we believe that the establishment of a U.S. Arts Foundation for the performing and visual arts is also and almost equally important. We agree that Federal aid for the arts is best channeled through State art agencies and based on grassroots support. But this method actually may not amount to much in the near future and those areas of our country that most urgently need Federal help to develop their cultural resources may not obtain it. Few States at present have State art agencies of the operative character required to receive grants under this act. It will take several years to establish such agencies in a majority of States. This is an argument in favor of early approval of this act rather than a reason for delay. By the example of even a few States enriching the lives of their citizens through this means, other States will make the necessary effort to obtain similar Federal assistance. Until most States participate, the National Cultural Development Act will not by itself be able to provide the Federal cooperation needed to augment effectively and broadly the cultural vitality of our country. The NCAG wishes to submit a brief amendment for consideration by the subcommittee. This act wisely places upon State art agencies the responsibilities of proposing, supporting (at least to 50 percent), and carrying out any art projects or programs for which Federal aid is received under this act. A minimum of Federal control or direction is involved. However, unless the required approval of the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare for such projects or programs is merely perfunctory, some judgment must be exercised by him about matters which may be of a specialized nature relating to any field of art. The Secretary cannot be expected to have special competence in such wide areas. In the opinion of the NCAG, whenever advisory opinions are necessary, they should be obtained from impartially selected professionals and through channels specified by Congress in this legislation. We do not believe the Secretary should be required to request advice in all instances, but the source of whatever professional advice is obtained should not be left to the personal judgment of the Secretary. It is therefore respectfully suggested that in H.R. 4174 in section 4 subsection (b), page 4, line 9, the following sentence be inserted after the words "of subsection (a)" "In reaching such decisions, the Secretary shall, whenever he deems it advisable, request the Federal Advisory Council on the Arts to provide advisory opinions from a special committee or committees in the field or fields of art concerned." The Federal Advisory Council on the Arts is instructed in H.R. 4172 section 3(3), page 4, line 3, to "cooperate with local, State, and Federal departments and agencies to foster artistic and cultural endeavors." The method suggested above will be an effective way to do so. The National Council on the Arts and Government wholeheartedly supports the National Cultural Development Act and urges its early approval. Membership May 1961 Richard F. Bach, representative of American Institute of Design Mrs. C. Arthur Bullock, president, National Federation of Music Clubs Dr. Oscar J. Campbell, former administrator, arts center program, Columbia University1 Charles Collingwood, commentator Thomas DeGaetani, president, U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology Rene d'Harnoncourt, director, Museum of Modern Art, New York Lamar Dodd, painter, head, Department of Art, University of Georgia Henry Dreyfuss, industrial designer Quaintance Eaton, executive secretary, National Committee for the Musical Arts Lillian Gish, star of film and stage Lloyd Goodrich, director, Whitney Museum of American Art, author 1 T. Edward Hambleton, founder and managing director, Phoenix Theatre Alfred Harding, treasurer, NCAG, former assistant to president, Actors' Equity1 Edwin Hughes, pianist, executive secretary, National Music Council 1 Herman D. Kenin, president, American Federation of Musicians Dan Kiley, landscape architect Billie Kirpich, representative, Dance Teachers Guild Mrs. Serge Koussevitzky, patron of musical arts Leon Kroll, painter, National Institute of Arts and Letters William Lescaze, architect Dorothy Liebes, textile designer 1 Howard Lindsay, honorary chairman, NCAG, playwright, actor, producer1 Gertrude Macy, general manager, Int. Cult. Exch. Svs., ANTA Dick Moore, actor, representing Actors' Equity Association Joseph Allen Patterson, representing American Association of Museums Andrew Ritchie, director, Yale University Gallery of Art Theodore J. Roszak, sculptor 1 Robert C. Schnitzer, general manager, Theatre Guild American Repertory Company1 1 Gilbert Seldes, author, editor, educator Seymour N. Siegel, director, Municipal Broadcasting System, New York Carleton Sprague Smith, musicologist, author W. Eugene Smith, photographer Grace Spofford, chairman, music committee, National Council of Women of United States Eleanor Steber, opera, concert artist Edward D. Stone, architect Rex Stout, author, former president, Authors' League of America Dr. Harold Taylor, former president, Sarah Lawrence College, lecturer Mrs. Helen M. Thompson, executive secretary, American Symphony Orchestra League Lucia Victor, playwright, stage manager, representing Actors' Equity Association Ralph Walker, architect, former president, American Institute of Architects 1 William W. Wurster, architect, dean, Department of Architecture, UCLA William Zorach, sculptor 1 Executive committee. [Press release Thursday, June 6, 1957] NEW YORK CITY, June 6.-Strongly supporting President Eisenhower's statement that "The Federal Government should do more to give official recognition to the importance of the arts and other cultural activities," 400 men and women prominent in the arts and public life today signed an appeal to Congress asking that bills establishing a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare be enacted during the 1957 session. appeal was made public by the National Council on the Arts and Government, representing all the arts, through its chairman, Clarence Derwent. The Among the signers of this appeal are: Nelson W. Aldrich, Rose Bampton, Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Van Wyck Brooks, Al Capp, Paddy Chayefsky, Marc Connelly, Mrs. Norman Chandler, Stuart Davis, James T. Farrell, Walter Gropius, Helen Hayes, Celeste Holm, Clare Boothe Luce, Henry R. Luce, Burt Lancaster, Howard Lindsay, Joshua Logan, Dr. Earl J. McGrath, Stanley Marcus, Raymond Massey, Gilbert Miller, Grandma Moses, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Marianne Craig Moore, Paul Muni, Charles Munch, Reinhold Niebuhr, Bishop G. Bromley Oxman, Vincent Price, Mrs. Ogden Reid, Fritz Reiner, Elmer Rice, Edward G. Robinson, David Smith, Rise Stevens, Gladys Swarthout, Ruth St. Denis, Charles Sheeler, Mark Van Doren, Mies van der Rohe, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, Darryl F. Zanuck, Fred Zinneman, Hon. Frank P. Zeidler. "The primary purpose of a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts" said the appeal to Congress, "is to propose methods to encourage private initiative and its cooperation with local, State, and Federal departments or agencies to foster artistic creation and appreciation and the use of the arts both nationally and internationally in the best interests of our country." It was pointed out that the bills under consideration have bipartisan support in both Houses of Congress, do not request subsidies for the arts and require only modest administrative appropriations. The complete statement and the list of signers follow: ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE NATION'S ARTS-AN APPEAL TO CONGRESS "President Eisenhower in 1955 declared that 'the Federal Government should do more to give official recognition to the importance of the arts and other cultural activities.' He recommended 'the establishment of a Federal advisory commission on the arts in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.' Last year a bipartisan bill to carry out this recommendation passed the Senate, but the House failed to take action. "The President's 1957 budget message again requested action by Congress. Senators and Congressmen of both parties have introduced bills for this purpose: S. 1716 by Senator H. Alexander Smith, Republican, of New Jersey, cosponsored by Senators James E. Murray, Democrat of Montana, Irving M. Ives, Republican of New York, Thomas C. Hennings, Jr., Democrat, of Missouri, John Sherman Cooper, Republican of Kentucky, and Jacob K. Javits, Republican of New York; S. 930 by Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, Democrat, of Minnesota, cosponsored by Senators Paul H. Douglas, Democrat, of Illinois, and Jacob K. Javits, Republican, of New York; H.R. 6374 (identical to S. 1716) by Congressman Stuyvesant Wainwright, Republican, of New York; H.R. 6642 (identical to S. 1716) by Congressman Edith Green, Democrat, of Oregon; H.R. 3514 by Congressman Frank Thompson, Jr., Democrat, of New Jersey; and H.R. 1089 by Congressman Emanuel Celler, Democrat, of New York. "The primary purpose of a Federal Advisory Council on the Arts is to propose methods to encourage private initiative and its cooperation with local, State, and Federal departments or agencies to foster artistic creation and appreciation and the use of the arts both nationally and internationally in the best interests of our country. The Council would upon request advise Federal departments and agencies which administer art programs, exclusive of those areas of responsibility of the Commission of Fine Arts. "These bills do not request subsidies for the arts and require only modest appropriations for administrative expenses. "Effective international use of the arts is a permanent policy of our country, but the United States lags behind 38 nations in considering the development and enjoyment of cultural resources a matter of concern to the Government. As work days shorten and life expectancy lengthens the arts will play an ever more important role in the lives of our citizens. "We urge that this legislation be favorably considered and enacted by this session of Congress." |