What is art? Art can be defined in different ways because there are many perspectives on what art is. It can be defined as a strict vocabulary term or defined based on the personal opinion of different people. Art is exhibited and expressed in different forms of traditions, rituals and entertainment. Given the diversity of ways to exhibit art, it would be more reasonable to provide a source of funding to continue these showcases. Without the money to support this cause, people will not be able to show their creativity and use their artistic abilities to their fullest potential and receive the help needed to develop the skills needed to face everyday life. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that cuts the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) by 49 percent (funding support, arts policies). Federal tax money is used to fund nonprofit organizations and establishments such as art museums, art centers, orchestras, and other festive events that may take place. The total cost of these art exhibitions and showcases is approximately $22.3 billion in annual federal, state and local tax revenue. Of course, there are people who believe that this money should be financed elsewhere, but there are also others who believe that this money is used rationally and reasonably. There are a number of reasons why the federal government continues to fund the arts in America. “Since the late 1980s, when performance artist Karen Finley began playing with yams and chocolate, the National Endowment for the Arts has been criticized by some conservative lawmakers” (NEA funds benefit both rich and... middle of paper ... and keep them away from the troubles and personal family problems they may face When people participate in the arts, they have the chance to be creative, to express themselves, to. share their work with others and create an energy that will fill the community with accomplishment and joy Works Cited • Morrissey, Ed “3 Reasons Why Tax Dollars Shouldn't Fund Art. June 8, 2011. • Jackson, Nakia. “Why Schools Should Fund Arts Programs” S. Urbanowski “Arts Funding” November 8, 1990 • Skinner, Steve “Sustaining Funding for the Arts” February 3. 2014• Cohen, Patricia “NEA funds benefit both rich and poor.” New York Times. February 4, 2014 • Kasper, Gabriel “The re-emerging art of financing innovation”. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Spring 2014