Seeing Red

What gets funding from Bush's NEA

December 29, 2006—The National Endowment for the Arts is known for bankrolling controversial artists like Andres "Piss Christ" Serrano and Robert "Bullwhip" Mapplethorpe, but priorities seem to have shifted slightly over the past few years. Here are a few highlights from the 2007 grant list, followed by the NEA's description.

Buffalo Bill Memorial Association ($20,000): "To support the Cowboy Songs & Range Ballads: Melodies & Memories festival."

Tennessee State Museum Foundation ($33,000): "To support a design competition for a structure to house Red Grooms' Tennessee Fox Trot Carousel [left], a 36-figure carousel that depicts Nashville's history."

International Accordion Festival ($35,000): "To support the Seventh Annual International Accordion Festival. The Festival celebrates the instrument's local identity and global reach."

Carolina Art Association ($25,000): "To support the touring exhibition 'The Plantation in American Art.'"

Jefferson Center Foundation ($20,000): "To support the presentation of 'The Blind Leading...,' a work that explores blindness and creativity."