The WPA, according to my limited research did, of course with waste, confusion and the forever corruption of gov money, help kick start private industry.  My source reads that at least 85% went to wages and salaries.   Is it time for the fed gov to step in and give everyone a hand UP (not OUT) again? With this economy, many art advocates and magazines seem to think so. Example read-   http://readymade.com/article/poster_children/P0/ead

Of course the Federal Arts Project was only one aspect of the Work Progress Administration in the 1930's.  As a kid, I remember my parents pointing out WPA projects in North Little Rock, most of those to do with construction, mainly because my paternal grandfater worked on some of those projects.

Ok...... back on track, the WPA operated large arts, drama, media and literacy projects.  Funding employed artist to do everything from holding a class for children to carve pumkins to painting murals in post offices and theatrical troupes to bring plays and culture to deprived areas.  It fed children and redistributed food, clothing and housing.  Almost every community in America has a park, bridge or school constructed by the agency.   Expenditures from 1936 to 1939 totaled nearly $7 billion.

What do you guys think?  I think its bad....... but is it that bad or will it soon be?   Does Obama, being a proclaimed supporter of the arts need to iniate a program such as Roosevelt did?  Please comment.

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