Harold Jaffe

Debates over controversial art typically examine whether the public—through the National Endowment for the Arts— should subsidize art that some people find offensive. In the following viewpoint, Harold Jaffe contends that the amount of public funds subsidizing the arts is miniscule compared to the returns generated by the art industry. He maintains that forcing artists and museums to rely solely on the private sector for support instead of government funds would result in bland, boring art that would not challenge the boundaries of convention. In addition, support from agencies such as the NEA and National Endowment for the Humanities has allowed the number of state art councils, orchestras, and dance, theater and opera companies to increase and flourish. Jaffe, an English professor at San Diego State University, has received...