struction would damage or destroy national historical sites, buildings, or other objects. It has been referred to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, Representative Wayne N. Aspinall (Democrat, Colorado), chairman. H.R. 2276 introduced by Representative Adam C. Powell (Democrat, New York) would amend the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to authorize study of locating three court buildings near the Supreme Court Building. The 86th Congress failed to take steps requested by many bills to prevent a large building for these courts from being located on Lafayette Square, which would necessitate the destruction of the Belasco Theater, the Dolly Madison House and other historic buildings. For this new bill to be effective, an Executive order will be necessary to preserve Lafayette Square to give the 87th Congress time to Act. H.R. 2276 has been referred to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, of which Representative Wayne N. Aspinall (Democrat, Colorado) is chairman, although this matter would seem to concern more directly the House Committee for the District of Columbia.

Representative Adam C. Powell also introduced House Joint Resolution 147 to establish the former dwelling house of Alexander Hamilton in New York City as a national monument. This bill has also been referred to the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.

H.R. 1145 by Representative Harold R. Collier (Republican, Illinois) would provide for the preservation in the Library of Congress of audio recordings of historical importance. This seems a fine proposal and authorized $200,000 in a revolving fund. It has been referred to the Committee on House Administration, Representative Omar Burleson (Democrat, Texas), chairman. 9. Promotion of foreign travel in the United States

Legislation to establish within the Department of Commerce of an Office of International Travel and a Travel Advisory Board might seem to have little to do with the arts. However, one of its major objectives is to increase by this means international understanding and appreciation of our cultural accomplishments and study of our arts at first hand. Most foreign governments expend large amounts to promote knowledge of their cultural assets. The result has been an appreciable factor in the drain on our gold reserves. In any case, the adoption of a comprehensive program, removal of travel barriers, information services for study, culture, recreation, business and other activities would be conducive to better knowledge overseas of our country. S. 610, which would authorize $5 million for the above purposes, is sponsored by Senator Warren S. Magnuson (Democrat, Washington) and cosponsored by Senators Pastore (Democrat, Rhode Island), Monroney (Democrat, Oklahoma), Smathers (Democrat, Florida), Thurmond (Democrat, South Carolina), Yarborough (Democrat, Texas), Engle (Democrat, California), Bartlett (Democrat, Alaska), Hartke (Democrat, Indiana), McGee (Democrat, Wyoming), Schoeppel (Republican, Kansas), Butler (Republican, Maryland), Cotton (Republican, New Hampshire), Case (Republican, New Jersey), Scott (Republican, Pennsylvania), Javits (Republican, New York), Fong (Republican, Hawaii), Carroll (Democrat, Colorado), Cannon (Democrat, Nevada), Byrd (Democrat, West Virginia), Randolph (Democrat, West Virginia), Holland (Democrat, Florida), and Keating (Republican, New York). This legislation has been referred to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Senator Magnuson, chairman.

An identical bill, H.R. 3781, has been introduced in the House by Representative Harris B. McDowell, Jr. (Democrat, Delaware) and has been referred to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Representative Oren Harris (Democrat, Arkansas), chairman.

10. National Portrait Gallery and National Collection of Fine Arts

Another item of “unfinished cultural business" from the 86th Congress is legislation to establish under the Smithsonian Institution a bureau to be known as the National Portrait Gallery and to be administered by an Advisory Board. The collection of portraits owned by the Government is now scattered but would be assembled and housed together with the National Collection of Fine Arts as previously authorized in the fine Old Patent Office Building when that is vacated by the Civil Service. S. 744 has been introduced by Senator Humphrey, with Senators Williams of New Jersey and Long of Missouri as cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration, Senator Carl Hayden (Democrat, Arizona), chairman.

11. Proposed National Academy of Culture

In the NCAG interim report of May 10, 1960, we stated: "Aside from the merits of this proposal, the NCAG cannot endorse legislation far too loosely drafted and without very essential safeguards to reduce the likelihood of politically motivated appointments to the Academy." These views were presented at a hearing. Senator Francis Case (Republican, of South Dakota) has introduced S. 535 which is identical to the bill to which we objected. Representative Kearns (Republican, of Pennsylvania) introduced H.R. 414 which is also identical. If these proposals are to be seriously considered the maximum membership of the Academy, and the maximum number that may be elected each year should be specified; membership on the proposed Advisory Commission on Cultural Awards, which would select the life members of the Academy, should be on a rotating basis, and the members should be appointed from nominations submitted by recognized national organizations in the fields of art concerned rather than "from among officers and employees of appropriate instrumentalities of the Government" or "from persons in private life" whom any administration may consider qualified. The above bills were referred respectively to the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare and to the Committee on Education and Labor. The NCAG does not support these bills.

12. Commission on Cultural Resources in the Nation's Capital

The NCAG interim report of May 1960 outlined several similar bills in both Senate and House which sought to earmark 1 mill out of each $1 of tax revenue in the District of Columbia for cultural purposes. In the 87th Congress, at least up to mid-February, none of these have been reintroduced.

Support is being given by the major sponsors of those bills to the National Cultural Development Act under which the District would qualify for a State allotment. Representative Carroll D. Kearns (Republican, of Pennsylvania) has introduced H.R. 3982 which would establish a Commission on the Cultural Resources in the Nation's Capital and become the equivalent of a State art council. Representative Powell (Democrat, of New York) has just introduced (February 15) H.R. 4348 identical to Mr. Kearns' measure. This is an admirable proposal and we are informed that Senator Cooper will shortly introduce a similar measure in the Senate. These bills will be considered by the Public Works Committees of both House and Senate, of which the Chairmen are respectively Representative Charles A. Buckley (Democrat, of New York) and Senator Dennis Chavez (Democrat, of New Mexico) to whom communications should be addressed. 13. Other proposals in the House

H.R. 988 (Representative Kearns) would amend the National Cultural Center Act to provide additional land for the proposed center. H.R. 2587 (Representative Wallhauser) would extend book postage rates to films for educational use. H.R. 2889 (Representative Dulski) would enlarge the American Battle Monuments Commission by three House and three Senate Members. H.R. 3020 (Representative Celler) would prohibit the charging of a fee to view telecasts in the home. H.R. 4279 (Representative Haley) would grant per diem payment to members of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. Two House joint resolutions (Representative Celler 149 and Representative Halpern 157) would designate a National American Guild of Variety Artists Week.

14. Proposed International Youth Festivals in the Nation's Capital

The NCAG criticized rather severely last year bills for an International Olympiad of the Arts and Sciences and drafted alternative proposals. Such legislation would authorize the holding of an International Youth Festival of the Arts and an International Youth Exposition of the Sciences on alternate years on a biennial basis in the District of Columbia. The Commissioner of Education would generally direct these biennials. American educational institutions would act as channeling agencies. The Secretary of State would extend invitations to foreign educational institutions and organizations and facilitate participation. Existing facilities in the District would be used. It is hoped that these undertakings could be financed largely by tax-deductible donations to the U.S. Treasury. Although authorization as biennials has been proposed, they could be held less frequently if that proved more feasible.

With the accent on youth in the present administration, these biennials would seem to provide a practical way not only to encourage young American artists and scientists but also to demonstrate to the youth of other lands our interest in their achievements in the arts and sciences. The NCAG believes that it is

70259 0-61—20

through such steps as these that solid foundations can be laid for a durable peace.

Senator Wayne Morse (Democrat, of Oregon) has agreed to introduce such a bill soon in the Senate and there is reason to believe that this will also be done shortly in the House. The NCAG does not expect to issue an interim report this year since the annual report is issued far later than usual. It is suggested that persons, organizations or educational institutions interested in this proposal should communicate with Senator Morse.

STATE AID TO THE ARTS AND STATE ART AGENCIES

There seems to be a strong trend in Washington to channel Federal aid to the arts through State art agencies. In European countries, where very substantial financial support is given to the arts by the national Government, the fine arts officials are generally within the framework of the Ministry of Education. In West Germany each of the States is responsible for its own educational system and for its aid to the arts. In England the Arts Council of Great Britain receives a grant from Parliament and is responsible to the Minister of the Exchecquer rather than Parliament for its distributon. This system would perhaps not seem the most suitable for the United States as long as every Member of Congress feels it is his own prerogative to raise an outcry or start an investigation as to the use of Federal funds for any purpose he may not approve. Furthermore, the roots of an artist extend back to the soil from which he has sprung. Therefore, the growth and flourishing of the arts in a country depend not only "upon freedom, imagination, and individual initiative" but also upon the cultural climate of the community and its attitude toward the arts. The process of solid growth is from the ground up rather than from the top down. The need to take steps to stimulate State interest in the arts is all the more evident as a result of a recent survey made by the Library of Congress.

Representative Frank Thompson, Jr., who has been an outstanding leader in forwarding Federal legislation for the arts, requested the Legislative Reference Service of the Library of Congress to make a nationwide survey of aid given to the arts by each State. Requests for information were mailed to 50 Governors in February 1960. Replies, extremely varied as to thoroughness, were received from 47 Governors, which is quite remarkable. Only Colorado, Oregon, and South Dakota did not answer. Senator Joseph S. Clark inserted this survey in the Congressional Record on February 2, 1961, pages 1547 to 1554. It is far too lengthy to summarize. Copies could be obtained through your congressional representative. A few observations might be pertinent.

(1) Only 14 States reported the existence of a State art council, commission, or similar agency. Few of these seem to be at that time effectively organized. However, this refers to about a year ago. Michigan, for example, stated "The State of Michigan does not directly support any State, local or private organizations relating to the fine arts and cultural activities, as such." In contrast note below the development in Michigan during the past few months.

(2) State expenditures vary from Nebraska's "No such support" to a reported over $4 million by Illinois. The latter includes, however, county fairs (from revenue from tax on horseracing bets) and is misleading.

(3) The major support in many States is for historical or library purposes. The report points out that State support for art education in schools and universities is not included since it is not separately recorded and probably is the largest item.

(4) Very few States support the kind of projects and programs envisaged by the National Cultural Development Act. In this connection see current plans for New York State below.

Space permits only two examples of progress since last year by States:

1. A Michigan Cultural Commission was established in November 1960 by Gov. G. Mennen Williams to survey the State resources in all the arts, to recommend measures for encouraging their growth, and to define the role of the State government in this process. The commission consists of about 70 representatives of the arts. Special committees operate in the various fields. Four eminent consultants from outside the State have also been appointed. The commission is at present formulating a report based on the recommendations of the individual committees. This development is enormously encouraging.

2. New York State established last year a New York State Council on the Arts to assess the status of the arts in the State and appropriated $50,000 for administrative expenses. The council has appointed six panels of specialists in

Icertain areas of the arts.

Gov. Nelson Rockefellor has requested the legislature to appropriate this year $450,000 for its use. If granted, the council would no longer be merely an advisory body. Most of the projects proposed would benefit residents upstate, as they should. All grants would be to nonprofit undertakings. The performing arts would receive about 90 percent of the total. The vote on appropriations wil be taken toward the end of March. Citizens of New York State are urged to write at once in support of this appropriation to Assemblyman Fred W. Preller, chairman, assembly ways and means committee, and to Senator Austin W. Erwin, chairman, senate ways and means committee. Address both State Capitol, Albany 1, N.Y.

FEDERAL AND STATE POLICIES RE THE ARTS

As a result of our observations during the past 6 years of the selection and the administration of governmental art advisory bodies, attention should be drawn to a few conclusions. Members of such bodies should be persons of professional competence in the field they represent and willing to devote a fair amount of time to the task. The temptation to select persons for "window dressing" or for political affiliations should be resisted. The carrying out of decisions should not be left to the staff director, particularly if those decisions run counter to current administration policy in any way. Recommendations of a governmental advisory body should be "in the public domain" and made available to interested organizations or citizens. All forms of direct or indirect censorship of the arts should be resolutely opposed.

One form of governmental controls is, for other reasons than censorship, being fairly widely discussed, particularly in the dance field. Therefore, the NCAG unanimously adopted the following resolution on February 16, 1961: "Resolution re licensing teachers of the arts.

"Recognizing the desirability of spreading greater knowledge about higher standards of teaching of the arts and to prevent immature or incompetent persons from teaching any field of art, the National Council on the Arts and Government nevertheless is emphatically opposed to obligatory licensing of teachers and of the arts, with the exception of teachers who are a part of a State's public school or college educational system. The licensing of private or independent artists in any field is an unwarranted infringement upon the essential freedom of the arts. To set State-regulated standards to qualify private or independent teachers of the arts, even under the most favorable system, would involve governmental controls over esthetic matters which should not be tolerated in a free country. Such requirements would tend to enforce mediocrity and inevitably become a serious threat to the development of the arts in our country. Furthermore, licensing per se would in no way prevent fraudulent advertising or misleading promises, or protect the public. There are existing laws for such abuses. Therefore, the National Council urges all professional organizations concerned with the arts to take a strong stand against legislation which would require the licensing of private or independent teachers in any field of the arts."

CONCLUSION

New frontiers in the relationship of government to the arts in the United States seem to be close at hand. Will this tardy dawn become a new day or fade away like a mirage? Now more than ever is the time to act individually and collectively, promptly, and vigorously. A similarly favorable situation may not recur in a decade. This report is issued by the NCAG to provide the necessary accurate, up-to-date information for immediate and effective action. Respectfully submitted.

HAROLD WESTON, Chairman.

The substance of this report was unanimously approved by the NCAG on February 16, 1961.

The contents of this report may be used as desired, with or without reference to source. A limited number of copies (not over 50 per request) may be obtained at 15 cents per copy (in stamps or checks).

The NCAG depends upon voluntary contributions from organizations and individuals. It pays no salaries. Our reports have been mailed free to anyone requesting a copy and we hope to continue that policy. The demand is increasing beyond the limits of our slim budget. If you have found this report useful to you or to your organization, a contribution will be very much appreciated. Checks (not tax deductible) should be made out to the National Council on the Arts and Government, 22 West 54th Street, New York 19, N.Y.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE NCAG

The National Council on the Arts and Government, established in 1954, is the first national organization in the United States to include representatives of all major art fields and to be concerned primarily with governmental activities and legislation related to the arts. The NCAG is entirely nonpolitical and nonpartisan. Members (limited to 50) are elected for their knowledge of one or more fields of art and may also represent organizations.

The Council's purposes are to consider governmental activities, both legislative and administrative, concerned with the arts on the Federal, State or municipal levels, to assist in strengthening and improving such activities and legislation therefor, and to act to the fullest extent of its limited facilities as a source for information about such matters for organizations and individuals interested in the arts.

REQUEST FOR GRANT FOR PROPOSED NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE ARTS AND GOVERNMENT

Applicant. The National Council on the Arts and Government, 22 West 54th Street, New York 19, N.Y.

Recipient of grant.-Columbia University has generously offered to be host to a National Conference on the Arts and Government, provided it receives the necessary funds in sufficient time for this conference to be properly organized. Date of conference.-June 1962 after commencement and before summer school begins.

Need for conference.-There is increasing recognition in the United States that Government has a responsibility toward the development and appreciation of the arts. Demonstrations overseas under Federal sponsorship of our artistic achievements, which have enhanced the cultural status of our country abroad, have led to a growing awareness that the arts are a vital factor in the welfare of our own Nation. Assessment of the relationship of Government to the arts in the United States and suggestions leading to sound future policy have become a matter of urgency. The proposed conference and subsequent publication of a comprehensive report would stimulate interest and discussion throughout the country among those with firm opinions-favorable or unfavorable to Government aid for the arts as well as those who are uncommitted. As workdays shorten and life expectancy lengthens the arts will play an ever more important role in the lives of our citizens. It is not excessive therefore to suggest that this conference could well become a turning point in American cultural life. Purpose of conference.-The broad purposes of the conference will be

1. To clarify the issues concerning the arts and Government at the Federal, State, and community levels;

2. To examine various undertakings by Government for the arts both here and abroad, together with their successes, shortcomings, and dangers; 3. To present and discuss proposals for augmented cooperation between Government and private initiative to advance the arts and their appreciation in the United States;

4. To inform and involve professionals in the arts, individuals generally interested in the arts, Government officials in positions of responsibility relative to the arts, and legislators, to the end that intelligent and constructive direction will be taken for the benefit of the artists and the public. While opposing points of view will be represented and specific legislation discussed or promoted by some individuals, it does not seem appropriate for this conference to reach any collective decisions and certainly not to advance any particular legislative measures. The study sessions should lead to assessment of the situation in various art fields and stimulate proposals leading to improved conditions whether with or without governmental cooperation. The subject is a complex one which needs precisely the kind of public forum which this conference would provide.

Program of conference.-The tentative program for the conference is outlined on attached document A. The speakers at major sessions should be national figures drawn from the fields of the arts, Government, education, and industry. Leaders in the discussions should include outstanding artists, Government administrators, legislators, experts in political science and other disciplines related to art and Government. Effort will be made to secure geographical representation in the selection of participants.