Wpa Research Paper Art 370

Nicole Cruz

Professor Moriuchi

Art 370

07 May 2014

The Works Progress Administration:

A Depiction of African-American Identity in the American Scene

Abstract:

My research paper will examine how African-Americans were recognized as artists in the 1930s to1940s in American society through the establishment of the Works Progress Administration. The various prints and paintings that I will use for my research will cover various topics regarding racial identity in the United States prior to the establishment of the Works Progress Administration. Additionally, background research of African-Americans place in the American scene prior, during, and after the 1930s to 1940s will be analyzed. From my research, I will demonstrate that the establishment of the Works Progress Administration by the government, not only created and established a sense of identity for African-American artists, but that it also allowed for the empowerment of these this minority group and promoted social change in American society, while still reinforcing the WPA’s main theme of American identity.

Research:

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little” (Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Second Inaugural Address). The Works Progress Administration, established by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, aimed to provide an opportunity for both people and the American economy during a time of great struggle within the United States. What made the Works Progress Administration significant in United States history was the fact that it unintentionally stimulated social reform and progress within American society, even though its main purpose was to create jobs for artists and stimulate economic growth. Numerous African-American artists were given the opportunity by the Works Progress Administration to receive recognition for their artwork. An analysis of...