The author discusses the role of the NEA in the cultural life of the and the public role it plays. Overall, the Arts Endowment has sought to build a broad base of public support, from within the arts world and without, while also broadening the nation's cultural base in both its variety and availability. Public support has come to be associated with greater access to, and awareness of, the arts, even as the NEA has sought not be become identified with particular aesthetic values. On the other hand, the NEA's record has proven no more immune from political controversy than other public policies. (p. 7).