Journal Assignment - Government and Producing

Throughout theatre history, governments and other governing institutions have attempted to regulate theatre (limiting producing companies, the number of productions or withholding funding).  To circumvent government's actions, producers and artists have taken various steps to promote the growth of theatre, from the creation of boulevard theatres in France during the 19th Century to setting up kickstarter funding accounts in today's world.  Some governments have even tried to promote the arts, by offering government subsidization (an attempt to support and regulate art at the same time).

In the United States today, the National Endowment for the Arts offers many government grants to artists (as does many state agencies).  The process, though, is very lengthy and there is no guarantee the artist will be awarded anything.  Plus, in recent years, Congress have voted to reduce (or keep level) the NEA's budget, making receiving a grant even more difficult.

This last journal is another debate.

• • • • Should government regulate art?  Is it even possible?  Rationalize both sides of the debate.

 The journal should be one page long, approximately 350-400 words minimum.  Be careful of spelling, grammar, and punctuation...proofread and edit your work as necessary.  This assignment will be graded according to the Journal Assignment Rubric.