Are you considering a career in the arts? If so, you will be pleased with the plans that are being made by President Obama. Although there is still much that is left to be seen from his administration, the New York Times has recently reported that the President has taken some steps that have cultural professionals feeling “cautiously optimistic” about the future of the arts. Namely, those in the world of the arts are feeling quite excited that the President’s stimulus package includes $50 million that is to go to the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, there is unofficial news that the White House plans to take on some responsibilities for promoting the arts and culture.

There are still some hurdles that are left to be jumped with the new administration, as a new chairman to the Endowment has yet to be named. Yet, arts groups must have their applications in by April 2 if they hope to get their share of the stimulus funds. Furthermore, only those who have received grants sometime within the last four years are eligible to apply for the funding. When considering the fact that the $50 million has to be distributed to arts groups around the country, it doesn’t leave a whole lot of money for each group. In fact, the total annual budget for the endowment is now up to only $155 million, which falls short of the high of $176 million that it enjoyed in 1992. Nonetheless, the fact that the President has recognized the importance of the Endowment is certainly a step in the right direction to those who are passionate about field.

Many are also pleased that the President has placed a higher importance on the arts than what has been seen in the past. In fact, rather than working from the first lady’s office, the point person for the arts is slated to work out of the West Wing instead.

“President Obama recognizes that support for creative expression is an essential part of who we are as a nation and he is committed to ensuring that the arts community has an open line to the White House,” said Shin Inouye, who is a spokesman for the White House.

Currently, Kareem Dale, who is also the President’s special assistant for disability policy, has been put in charge of the arts portfolio. He is expected to be replaced, however, by someone who will take on full-time responsibilities for the arts. Those who work in the world of arts are hopeful that the President and the individual put in charge of the arts will continue moving forward in a positive direction – not just for the sake of those employed in the arts, but also for the overall health of our country.

“Local and regional elected officials and community leaders are seeing and talking about the connection between the arts and the overall health of their communities,” said Teresa Eyring, who is the executive director of the Theater Communications Group. “The same sensibility hasn’t quite landed at the national level. In President Obama we have a leader who is making the connection, who seems to understand both the spiritual and economic necessity of the arts to our nation’s strength.”