Non-family households comprise nearly 30 percent of all U.S. households and are projected to be 36 percent, or more than 40 million, by the year 2000. Social issues of greatest concern to Americans include AIDS, crime, family violence, drug abuse, the homeless, and the environment. Concern about health care is rising as the costs for medical care escalate. For Floridians, quality of life issues, particularly the health of the individual, safety of life and property, and the state of the environment, will continue to grow in importance as key social concerns that demand public policy attention. Influences of the Arts Nationally, the arts have become part of mainstream American life.
More people attend arts events each year than attend sports events or vote in a national election.
Widespread recognition of their value is also reflected in the growth of private sector financial support provided for the arts, humanities, and culture. In Florida, too, it is increasingly recognized that the promotion of cultural resources is essential to the state s quality of life and important to its economy. It should be noted that within the national arts community, universities are now viewed as a critical element in the maintenance of the arts in this country. Today, most artists and arts educators are trained within academia. Universities also play an important role in arts advocacy and audience development.