The Works Progress Administration (WPA) left a priceless artistic legacy, now at risk. Federal preservation staff are being laid off, leaving artworks vulnerable to neglect. As federal buildings housing WPA pieces are sold, their fate is uncertain. Congress must act to prevent losses, retain preservation staff, and investigate this crisis.
For more details, see the Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/art/2025/03/12/gsa-overhaul-art-collection-wpa/.
A Legacy in Danger
The WPA’s Federal Art Project, launched in 1935, created 400,000 public murals, paintings, and sculptures. These works are vital to American history, yet many are deteriorating due to neglect. With staff cuts, the crisis will worsen, and without preservationists, artworks may be lost forever.
Federal Building Sales Threaten WPA Art
Many WPA pieces were designed for the buildings they inhabit. As these buildings are privatized, no oversight ensures their preservation. Without action, irreplaceable works may be discarded, destroyed, or lost to private collectors.
Congress Must Act Now
To prevent further damage, Congress must:
1. Hold Hearings – Investigate staff layoffs and WPA art protections in building sales.
2. Retain Preservation Staff – Ensure trained experts remain employed.
3. Fund Preservation Efforts – Provide resources to track, restore, and protect WPA works.
4. Enact Legal Protections – Prevent WPA art from being lost, sold, or destroyed.
In Conclusion
WPA artworks symbolize American resilience and history. Without urgent action, these irreplaceable pieces will disappear. Congress must investigate, fund preservation, retain experts, and ensure these treasures endure.
The time to act is now.
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