what was the purpose of public works programs during the new deal?
Home Â» featured Â» History of the New Deal Art Projects. History of the New Deal Art Projects. In 1933 and 1934, during the period of âThe Great Depression,â the Federal governmentâs Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) was organized by the Civil Works Administration. The general purpose of the program was âto give work to artists by arranging to have competent representatives of the profession embellish public buildings.â