This paper was commissioned by The American Assembly, an affilate of Columbia University, New York, NY for its meeting The Arts and the Public Purpose, May 29-June 1, 1997.

Surveying the history of government actions with regard to the arts, as well as the range of explanations and intentions behind those actions, one can discern at least five basic public purposes. These five public purposes include: 1) furthering the quest for security; 2) fostering community; 3) contributing to prosperity; 4) improving the quality and conditions of life; and 5) cultivating democracy. (p. 11)

[Raison D'Etat, Raison Des Arts: Thinking About Public Purposes may be found as a chapter
 in the book, The Public Life of The Arts in America, published by The American Assembly.]