Art of the New Deal and the Works Project Administration (WPA)

The Works Project Administration (WPA) was established in 1935 by the Roosevelt administration to give work to thousands of unemployed artists, architects, writers, and musicians. It was the Great Depression of 1929. What could the government to do? Have you ever been in a post office and seen a mural on the wall?  Artists employed by the Federal Government created works of art decorating schools, government buildings and hospitals. Some of these artists achieved lasting fame such as Jackson Pollock and Grant Wood. Some were were accused of “Communist leanings.” Preservation efforts will also be considered.