Harold Ickes

Definition

Harold Ickes was a prominent American politician who served as the Secretary of the Interior under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1946. He played a crucial role in the New Deal art programs, advocating for government support of the arts and the inclusion of artists in federal projects, which had a lasting impact on American culture and the art community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harold Ickes was a strong advocate for the arts and believed that government support was essential for cultural development during the Great Depression.
2. Under Ickes' leadership, the Federal Art Project employed thousands of artists, providing them with income and opportunities to create public works.
3. Ickes was known for his commitment to promoting democratic values through art, ensuring that diverse voices and styles were represented in federal projects.
4. He often clashed with conservative members of Congress who opposed government spending on arts programs, arguing that such investments were wasteful.
5. Ickes' influence extended beyond visual arts; he also supported music and theater initiatives through various New Deal programs, enriching American cultural life.

Review Questions

• How did Harold Ickes' role as Secretary of the Interior influence the development of New Deal art programs?
  • Harold Ickes significantly shaped New Deal art programs by advocating for government support and funding for artists during a time of economic crisis. His leadership in initiatives like the Federal Art Project allowed artists to secure jobs and create impactful public artworks that reflected American life. Ickes believed that these programs not only provided economic relief but also enriched the cultural landscape of the nation, making art accessible to all citizens.
• Evaluate the challenges Harold Ickes faced in promoting federal funding for arts during the New Deal era.
  • Harold Ickes encountered substantial opposition from conservative lawmakers who viewed federal funding for arts as unnecessary spending during an economic downturn. These opponents argued that government involvement in the arts undermined artistic integrity and individual creativity. Despite these challenges, Ickes persisted in his mission by emphasizing the importance of art as a means of fostering national identity and morale during tough times, ultimately leading to significant advancements in public art initiatives.
• Assess the long-term impact of Harold Ickes' advocacy for the arts on American culture and artistic expression.
  • Harold Ickes' advocacy for federal support of the arts has had a profound long-term impact on American culture by establishing a precedent for government involvement in artistic endeavors. His promotion of programs like the Federal Art Project not only provided immediate relief to artists during the Great Depression but also set the stage for future public art initiatives and funding structures. The diverse artworks created during this period continue to influence contemporary art practices, reflecting an ongoing dialogue about the role of art in society and the importance of accessibility in artistic expression.

Related terms

New Deal:

A series of programs and reforms initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

Federal Art Project: A New Deal program that provided jobs for artists and funded art projects, allowing them to create public artworks and murals across the country.

Works Progress Administration (WPA): A New Deal agency that employed millions of unemployed Americans, including artists, musicians, and writers, to carry out public works projects.