ABSTRACT
"Cultural policy" in the US is not what it is elsewhere in the world. Uniquely, the recognized arts-related policies in the US have largely evolved from opportunities created within US tax code and the influence and financial support of philanthropic entities. While many countries have an identified policy-making body, such as a cultural ministry, for matters related to arts and culture and/or hold a membership in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the US has neither. In the absence of a formal cultural policy or an official cultural policy-making body, prominent governmental and non-governmental institutions and vocal actors all shape policies about arts and culture in the US. Since the 1960s, providing direct funding to nonprofit arts organizations has been a primary policy intervention used by both non-government and government entities in an effort to fuel the arts in the US.
