The Arts Are the Patriotic Thing To Do
Arts Quotations from Famous Politicians

“The arts and humanities teach us who we are and what we can be. They lie at the very core of the culture of which we’re a part.”
– Ronald Reagan, 1987

“Art is a nation’s most precious heritage. For it is in our works of art that we reveal to ourselves, and to others, the inner vision which guides us as a nation. And where there is no vision, the people perish.”
– Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965

“Inequality may linger in the world of material things, but great music, great literature, great art and the wonders of science are, and should be, open to all.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1936

“We, this nation of ours, could be the richest nation in the world. We could be the freest nation in the world – but only if the arts are alive and flourishing can we experience the true meaning of our freedom, and know the full glory of the human spirit.”
– Richard M. Nixon, 1971

“Art is a universal language and through it each nation makes its own unique contribution to the culture of mankind.”
– Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1957

“The relationship between government and art must necessarily be a delicate one. It would not be appropriate for the government to try to define what is good or what is true or what is beautiful. But government can provide nourishment to the ground within which these ideas spring forth from the seeds of inspiration within the human mind.”
– Jimmy Carter, 1980

“The arts and sciences essential to the prosperity of the state and to the ornament and happiness of human life have a primary claim to the encouragement of every lover of his country and mankind.”
– George Washington, 1781

“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 and naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music and architecture.”
– John Adams, 1790

“You see I am an enthusiast on the subject of the arts. But it is an enthusiasm of which I am not ashamed, as its object is to improve the taste of my countrymen, to increase their reputation, to reconcile to them the respect of the world, and procure them its praise.”
– Thomas Jefferson, 1785

“I believe that the arts in Minnesota are a very important part of our quality of life. One of the major reasons that this is such a good place to live is that we honor art and those who create it. The arts in Minnesota benefit each of us in many ways. Whether it’s painting or music, theater or poetry, crafts or dance, we all have access to treasures form which we can draw beauty, satisfaction, peace of mind and strength. The arts help us to realize who we are, to celebrate our individuality. They are in the best way, an affirmation of ourselves.”
-Governor Rudy Perpich, State of the Arts address to the Citizens’ League, 1985

“If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place in which to live.”
-President John F. Kennedy

“When power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of manÕs concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.”
-President John F. Kennedy

“Our Nation has a diverse and extremely rich cultural heritage. It is a source of pride and strength to millions of Americans who look to the arts for inspiration, communication and the opportunity for creative self-expression.”
– Gerald R. Ford, 1976

“Art and the encouragement of art is political in the most profound sense, not as a weapon in the struggle, but as an instrument of understanding the futility of struggle between those who share man’s faith…I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we too will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”
– John F. Kennedy, 1962

“Music, to me, was – is – representative of everything I like most in life. It’s beautiful and fun, but very rigorous. If you wanted to be good you had to work like crazy. It was a real relationship between effort and reward. My musical life experiences were just as important to me, in terms of forming my development, as my political experiences or my academic life.”
– Bill Clinton, 1994

“The arts have long been an integral and vibrant part of our nation’s cultural heritage. In its many forms, art enables us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and of our society. Providing us with a unique way to learn about people of other cultures, it allows us to discover all that we have in common. At its best, art can beautify our cities, encourage economic development and social change, and profoundly affect the ways we live our lives.”
– Bill Clinton, 1992

“We must…enhance the quality, the width, the scope and access of our arts so that every single child can grow up in a community where art is a part of their life.”
– Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson, “State of the Arts Address,” 1996

“Except for its educational opportunities, nothing strikes me as more important to Minnesota’s quality of life than its arts programs.”
– Elmer L. Anderson, Former Minnesota Governor and Chairman, HB Fuller Co.

“The arts are not a luxury. They are an integral part of our lives as individuals and as a nation.”
– Hillary Rodham Clinton, addressing the National Museum of Women in the Arts

“The arts are part of our culture and history as a society. Children involved in the arts are known to be more successful academically and better socially adjusted. Personally, I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the gift of music. Music and all of the arts have given so much to me and have allowed me to give so much to others.”
– Representative Jim Rhodes (R-Minnetonka) Minnesota House of Representatives

The Jesse Ventura Section:

When asked what Minnesota has to offer Canadian Tourists, Gov. Ventura’s first and only response was, “Our theaters, our museums, our culture. We have everything New York has without the hassles.”
-Gov. Jesse Ventura, NewsNight Minnesota, 7-9-01

“Cultural, arts and heritage tourism is about who we are as Minnesotans… We’ve got the amazing Guthrie Theater. It draws an audience from all 50 states and Canada. Twenty percent of the Guthrie audience is from outside of the Twin Cities area…The Minnesota Opera has a growing subscriber base from out-of-state markets like Iowa, Wisconsin and Canada…We’ve got terrific little arts communities like Grand Marais, with its playhouse, art galleries and North House Folk School; or New York Mills and “The Great American Think-Off.” Ventura also spoke of the town of Luverne, where internationally renowned photographer and native son Jim Brandenburg opened a gallery of his work on Main Street.
-Gov. Ventura at the 2001 Governror’s Conference on Tourism

Gov. Ventura declared October, 2000 to beNational Arts and Humanities Month.

The George W. Bush Section:

“The arts and humanities enrich our lives, inspire our hearts and minds, and help us to view the world from a different perspective. Capturing the diversity and richness of human experience, they allow us to explore ideas and emotions and to better understand our history, culture, and beliefs. The study and appreciation of the arts and humanities serve as both a unifying force in society and as a vehicle for individual expression.

During these extraordinary times, the arts and humanities have provided means for coping and helaing in the face of tragedy. Since the September 11 attacks, individuals and groups throughout our country have joined together to celebrate their patriorism by proudly singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.” Others have expressed their grief by creating visual or written tributes to those who lost their lives. People of all ages have documented their personal experiences, firsthand knowledge, and impressions of recent events to create a lasting historical record for future generations.

These varied activites point to the vital importance of the arts and h umanities in maintaining a vibrant society and a strong democracy.”
White House Arts Proclamation, 10/25/01

From Laura Bush: “When we give something to the arts — as students, artists, teachers, enthusiasts, collectors, or patrons — we contribute something vital not only to the arts and museums, but also to each other and the community as a whole.”
Source: Americans for the Arts, 1/01

“I sincerely believe that the arts are like a magnet in our communities, pulling us as diverse groups and cultures together when otherwise we would be content with the comfort of our own familiar cultural territory. Art provides us a positive tool with which to overcome the dynamics in human nature that tend to keep us separated.”
-E.J. Thomas, Ohio State Representative

“The arts help me be a better mayor, furnishing me with techniques which strengthen the bonds of our community. As a composer, I know that dissonant notes have value, and that even opposites can be orchestrated together. From a musical perspective, our community is engaged in a collaborative improvisation. If we play it well, a good work emerges, a constantly evolving composition.”
-Phillip Kent Bimstein, composer and Mayor of Springdale, Utah

“I think our greatest failure has been that we have allowed the arts to be put into a little box. The reality is that there is not a person….whether they recognize it or not, that did not make some artistic decisions from the time they opened their eyes as they moved through the day.”
-Barbara Nicholson, director of the Martin Luther King Jr., Performing and Cultural Arts Complex in Columbus, Ohio

“Minnesota has probably the most committed arts funding in the country. Kudos to those who stay in the trenches and cling to the recognition that arts are essential to our humanity. Even though we can always us more money, it is truly a priviledge to live and work in this incredible community – generous, enlightened and always willing to participate in the dialogue about how to make things better.”
- William R. King, President, MN Council on Foundations

“In every industry today, competition is based on creativity — on the ability to create new products and processes, and to keep improving the old ones. And the people who do this vital work — from bright young computer geeks to creative professionals of various ages in many fields — are mobile and demanding. They won’t move to a city just to take a job with a company… (but) cluster in what I call Creative Centers: places full of cultural stimulation and ferment. Places where all sorts of people (and ideas) are welcome.”
- Richard Florida — Carnegie-Mellon professor and author of “The Rise of the Creative Class”

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
-Pablo Picasso

“Music can give you your dreams. It will teach you hard work, it will break your heart and make you so happy, you can’t stand it. . . .I don’t think I’d have been president if it hadn’t been for music.”
- Former President Bill Clinton, 2001, At an event celebrating the restoration of music programs to the Newark Public Schools

The artist is not a special kind of man, but every man is a special kind of artist.
-A.K. Coomaraswamy

Life is short, art is long…
- Hippocrates

We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.
- Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
- Twyla Tharp