There is a stigma in our society that, unless they "make it big," all artists are doomed to the life of a "starving artist." However, the "starving artist" is something we've made up and perpetuate regardless of the fact that some of the art produced here in America is far-reaching and affects other countries' images of us much more than any other product or export. The American government, though efforts are being made, needs to significantly step up the resources available to artists and needs to set up programs to encourage and hone young artists.
When I say artist, I'm talking about all types of art, not just, say, painting. I'm referencing theatre, music, dance, and, of course, visual art. Programs in these areas are always the first to go when schools or communities are on a tight budget. Why? Because art isn't productive according to those who make these decisions. This idea, however, runs quite contrary to the massive amounts of money art brings to America and American's wallets.
Americans may not realize it, but the art we create here travels around the world in a heartbeat thanks to the Internet and affects how people elsewhere view Americans. This can be seen obviously in the case of music if you go to a nightclub almost anywhere in the world. Even if they can't understand the lyrics, the DJs will play American music.
When I lived in Amsterdam, many Dutch people knew little about how life actually is in America. They had an image in their mind based off of portrayals in the media. So when I said I'm from Los Angeles, I usually got a response like "California gurls? (sang to the melody of Katy Perry's hit song)" or "Is it like Entourage?"
Art is not only the export which affects our image the most, it is also a large export and a profitable one. And yet, artists are hardly ever given a chance to have healthcare provided by an employer or retirement benefits or anything of the sort. That needs to change.
Art is important to our culture and our economy. Artists need not be "starving artists." There needs to be a program set up to encourage more artists, and the government needs to step up and create incentives for being an artist. Otherwise, the artist is put at a disadvantage, and we cannot do that to the creators of something that is hugely important in our country, whether you are an artist yourself or not.
