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International Art Treasures Web Magazine February 2004 |
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Art of PoliticsAs we travel the world viewing the treasures on display at the finest museums and art galleries or created by a contemporary artist struggling for attention and acceptance one issue continually appears. How do local artists receive coverage in their own city, state or country let alone international recognition? Art brings tourists and they bring dollars into the economy. The problem is how to get the tourist dollars into the hands of the artists who prepared for the art exhibition, the juried art show and so on that was enjoyed by so many. Yet the artists are often the last to share in the wealth, if they receive any part at all. Last autumn IATWM approached the five front running candidates in the Toronto Mayoral election and each provided their arts policy prior to an arts debate. Given the success of that article both in popularity and one hundred percent participation of the candidates, IATWM decided to ask the same question of the leading candidates in the November 2004 US Presidential election. The only candidate to respond was Wesley Clark. His unedited policy is here. IATWM does not endorse any candidate in any election. We do, however, strongly urge anyone who has the privilege of living in a democracy to exercise their right to vote in each election whether municipal, provincial/state or federal so their voice may be heard. |