And I believe we are on the verge of establishing real value for the arts in the hearts and minds of the American people. Certainly, opera companies understand this debate. Opera has continually fought against the misperception of being elite and inaccessible. You've spent plenty of time arguing value. Today, I believe we're ready to talk about the value of the arts in two ways.
Most people understand the many intangible ways the arts contribute to our inner lives.
Every day, evidence mounts that the arts are central to community and family life. Nurturing creativity, preserving our living cultural heritage, and conveying that heritage from generation to generation require a citizenry steeped in art and art making. It is crucial that young citizens connect with creativity and heritage. And art is proving to be a sturdy vessel transporting these qualities to future generations. But over the past decade, there has emerged a realization that the arts can also affect our lives in practical or instrumental ways.