Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The WPA, the Arts and The New Deal


The WPA , Works Progress Administration, was an agency created by the New Deal in the thirties to promote the arts as well as build public works. It was responsible for hiring out of work artists to create posters, paint murals, and put on plays. The WPA made possible the creation of a set of works of art that reflected a sense of community and social responsibility that made these works unique. It is useful to look back on this less individualistic time when the collective destiny of society was more in focus.

There will be a lecture discussion on the Depression and the Arts that will cover this topic at Watha Daneil Shaw Library. The event will be held on August 24th at 6:00 pm. The location: 945 Rhode Island Ave., NW two blocks from the Shaw metro at 10th and Rhode Island.

1 comment:

MATTHEW said...

Some of the work made during that period can be seen at the American Art Museum's great "1934" exhibition.
http://bit.ly/yOzVx