“Should the government fund the Arts? Abstract Expressionism and Music” Please respond to one (1) of the following, using sources under the Explore heading as the basis of your response:

• Based on our readings this week on the Great Depression programs, determine whether or not such projects were good government investments during those hard times, and provide two (2) examples of such programs (be specific) that support your viewpoint. What do you know of current ways the U.S. government supports the arts?  You can relate based on local, state, and/or federal examples!

• What was the significance of Abstract Expressionism? Explain the reasons for your views – even if you do not like or understand, what do you think its purpose at this time in history was that influenced this style? After reviewing the pages and Websites below, Compare and contrast one (1) example of Abstract Expressionist visual art to John Cage’s musical compositions.  Is ‘abstract’ a popular style today?

Explore:

Government and the Arts

• Chapter 37 (pp. 1228-1232), Federal support for the arts
• Government helping the arts in hard times at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/1934-Picturing-Hard-Times.html and http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/powerprose/wpa/

Abstract Expressionism and Music

• Chapter 38 (pp. 1255-1263, and 1268-9), Abstract Expressionism
• Chapter 38 (pp. 1266-1269), Music of Chance; review the Week 9 “Music Folder”
• John Cage, listen and see – “Dream” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fhc3Tbnhsc
• John Cage, listen and see — “4’33’” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY7UK-6aaNA&list=PL223147EC2385356B&index=3
• “My Kid Could Draw That” views: http://www.theamericanconservative.com/my-kid-could-draw-that/; and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/28/study-examines-difference_n_841268.html