The Contradictions of Society with Arts and Creativity

I find it astounding and illuminating how those in power in society, be they in media or politics, can purport a particular view yet fund or behave in a diametrically different manner.

The most obvious case in point is the emerging science of the importance of play and creativity in a child's development -- a critical factor to success in life, university and career.  (Mulitiple articles in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and New York Times demonstrate these facts.) The most creative pursuits in our immediate society are found within the arts -- theatre, dance, visual art, music, and writing.  Yes -- our society and our families MUST develop a creative core. 

AND, at the same time, we must put at risk the only national sign of support for such creativity:  the National Endowment for the Arts -- deemed perhaps problemmatic and definitely discretionary within a budgetary perspective.  Yet over 40% of NEA funding goes to local governments who directly fund the arts in each individual's community. So the message becomes "Go Team Creativity! We support you!  Just not with our national dollars".  

At the same time, there are billions of dollars in profits in negotiation within our National Football League.  At times the message is sad but clear, at least from the average US citizen and corporation's perspectives.

New Models of Business on Broadway (Maybe)

So, as crowd-sourcing has become the rage, an impulse for crowd-investing in a Broadway show is emerging:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703743504575494002194344786.html?mod=WSJ_article_RecentColumns_NYCulture

The timing seems perfect -- everyone wants to have a say in the world of entertainment.  The question is do they have the money to match the will and is the idea sustainable.  It is NOT far afield from the attempts to produce Broadway shows with an IPO -- something no longer practiced as the risk was too high and the administration too costly.  The internet and emerging technologies might mitigate the latter, but the former is still daunting. 

Interestingly, the idea of funding from the people was created 2 years ago in a non-profit setting to enlist individual's donation and input on new play development.  It will be interesting to the impact and sustainability of each.