New Deal art programs

The New Deal art programs, established during the 1930s, were part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s efforts to support artists while boosting morale during the Great Depression. Programs like the Section of Painting and Sculpture (later the Federal Art Project) employed artists to create public artworks—including murals, sculptures, and paintings—for government buildings, schools, and community spaces. These initiatives aimed to make art accessible to all, support artists financially, and foster national pride. They helped preserve American artistic talent and produce culturally significant works that reflected the nation’s history, struggles, and achievements.