Treasury Section of Fine Arts

Definition

The Treasury Section of Fine Arts was a component of the New Deal that aimed to integrate art into government buildings and public spaces during the Great Depression. It was responsible for commissioning murals and artworks that depicted American life and history, fostering a sense of national pride and cultural identity during a time of economic hardship. This initiative not only supported artists but also made art accessible to the public, enhancing community spaces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treasury Section of Fine Arts was established in 1934 as part of the U.S. Treasury Department's efforts to beautify federal buildings.
2. Artists commissioned by this section often focused on themes of American life, labor, and history, helping to document the experiences of the time.
3. One notable project included murals in post offices across the country, which became a canvas for storytelling about local communities.
4. The Treasury Section operated alongside other New Deal art programs, like the Federal Art Project and Public Works of Art Project, demonstrating a unified effort to support the arts.
5. The impact of these artworks can still be seen today in many public buildings, highlighting their lasting significance in American culture.

Review Questions

• How did the Treasury Section of Fine Arts influence public perception of art during the Great Depression?
  • The Treasury Section of Fine Arts played a significant role in changing public perception of art by making it accessible to everyday Americans. Through murals and public artworks, it brought art into federal buildings and spaces where people frequented. This accessibility fostered appreciation for artistic expression while also providing a sense of community pride and cultural identity amidst economic struggle.
• Discuss the relationship between the Treasury Section of Fine Arts and other New Deal art initiatives. How did they complement each other?
  • The Treasury Section of Fine Arts worked alongside other initiatives like the Federal Art Project and Public Works of Art Project, creating a comprehensive approach to promoting the arts during the Great Depression. While the Treasury Section focused on enhancing federal buildings with murals, the Federal Art Project employed artists for various public works and education initiatives. Together, these programs not only supported artists financially but also enriched public spaces with diverse forms of artistic expression, creating a cohesive cultural landscape.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Treasury Section of Fine Arts on American culture and identity.
  • The long-term impact of the Treasury Section of Fine Arts on American culture is evident in its lasting contributions to public art and community identity. By commissioning artworks that reflected American life and history, it helped establish a visual narrative that celebrated diversity and resilience. The murals and artworks created during this era continue to resonate today, serving as historical documents while fostering ongoing dialogues about culture, identity, and social issues in contemporary society.

Related terms

Section 8: A division within the New Deal's Public Works of Art Project that focused on funding the creation of artworks for public buildings.

Muralism: An artistic movement that emphasizes large-scale wall paintings as a means of social commentary and public engagement.

Federal Art Project: A New Deal program that provided employment for artists, offering them opportunities to create public art, exhibitions, and education programs.