Definition of "the Arts"

by the United States Congress

Editor's Note:. These definitions are in the public domain and may be freely reproduced, as the United States Code is a government document

The discussion questions, bibliographic references, and hyperlinks have been added by Julie Van Camp. (Copyright Julie C. Van Camp 1997) They too may be freely reproduced, so long as this complete citation is included with any such reproductions.

The numbering here is included in the actual publication, the United State Code.

[DISCUSSION QUESTIONS] [BIBLIOGRAPHY]

National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act* (excerpts)

20 U.S.C. 952 (b) The term ''the arts'' includes, but is not limited to, music (instrumental and vocal), dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, industrial design, costume and fashion design, motion pictures, television, radio, film, video, tape and sound recording, the arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of such major art forms, all those traditional arts practiced by the diverse peoples of this country. (sic) and the study and application of the arts to the human environment.

20 U.S.C. 952 (c) The term ''production'' means plays (with or without music), ballet, dance and choral performances, concerts, recitals, operas, exhibitions, readings, motion pictures, television, radio, film, video, and tape and sound recordings, and any other activities involving the execution or rendition of the arts and meeting such standards as may be approved by the National Endowment for the Arts established by section 954 of this title.

*This legislation, originally passed in 1965 and amended many times since, established the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
  1. These definitions are included in the legislation which established (authorized) the National Endowment for the Arts, an agency of the Federal government. What are the strengths of this definition for a national program like NEA? What are the problems with this definition for the NEA? Are there examples of things you would call "art" that have been omitted from this definition? Does the definition include things that you would not consider "art"?
  2. These definitions are examples of what is known as "extensional" definition, namely, defining a term by listing the things that are included under the term. In contrast, an "intensional" definition attempts to specify the necessary and sufficient conditions of the term, the properties of the term, or what some might call the "essence" of the term. What are the advantages and disadvantages of extensional definition? What are the advantages and disadvantages of intensional definition?
  3. Why do you think Congress did not provide an "intensional" definition?
  4. Try to develop an "intensional" definition that could appropriately be used by the NEA. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your definition? Does it accurately describe everything you consider "art"? Does it include some things which you would not consider "art"?

BIBLIOGRAPHY (Selected)

Complete Text: National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act: 20 U.S.C. 951 et seq.

National Endowment for the Arts

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Your comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome: jvancamp@csulb.edu

Last updated: November 22, 2006