Fireside Chat: How Artists Survived the Great Depression

• Sunday, April 13 @ 5:00 pm
• Lewes Public Library, Lewes, DE

The New Deal policies put in place by Franklin Roosevelt sought to alleviate the suffering of millions of unemployed Americans by putting them back to work. These included jobs for tens of thousands of artists, including musicians, actors, dancers, writers, photographers, painters, and sculptors. Asked why the government should provide jobs for unemployed artists, New Deal administrator Harry Hopkins replied, "Hell, they've got to eat just like other people." The Federal Arts Project rescued artists from poverty and despair. But they also served a larger purpose - to give all Americans access to art and culture. About 400,000 works of art were created, including murals in Post Offices, paintings, prints, and posters.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer. Each in-person attendee must register separately.

Free History & Culture Lectures & Workshops Libraries Southern Delaware

Plan Your Visit

More Events You Might Like

Stay Connected