The Federal Music Project: Implications for today

As one of the work relief programs established as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal, The Federal Music Project employed musicians throughout the United States. During its eight year tenure, the Federal Music Project employed more individuals than any of the other Federal One Projects while avoiding much of the sharp criticism facing art projects of the day. This historical study traces the development and history of the Federal Music Project in order to draw lessons from this successful program to apply to future federally funded arts programs.