COVER STORY : What is real? Who owns America? . . .

KEN BURNS

Filmmaker, producer of PBS’ “The Civil War.”

What is art?

Art is anything that speaks to more than one person and reflects truths that we as a species consider universal. Anything else--too conceptual or too abstract or too selfish--doesn’t cut it.

Who decides?

Unfortunately who decides what’s art is a small group: Media, dealers, the moneyed crowd. And that’s a bad thing. I’m sure a great deal of good art is missed.

Who pays?

Fortunately in one sense that small group that decides also pays. But really the artists who aren’t recognized pay in an entirely different way, and then we all lose.

ERNEST FLEISCHMANN

Executive vice president and managing director, Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn.

What is art?

When there is a consensus of those with a well-rounded arts education and experience--which would include performers, audiences and critics, as well as creators-- eventually a definition emerges on whether or not a certain work can really be called art or superficial doodling.

Who decides?

For politicians and bureaucrats, most of whom may be reasonably well educated in all kinds of fields and experience but not in the arts, to attempt to legislate what art is or should be is downright impertinent.

Who pays?

It is a pity that political considerations have allowed the debate about the meaning of art to degenerate to the absurd level imposed by Sen. Helms and that the leadership of the National Endowment for the Arts has been so weak and vacillating. Where strength and reason should have prevailed, expediency and abject compromise have reduced debate on the arts in this country to a level totally unworthy of a nation that likes to call itself civilized.

LUIS VALDEZ

Playwright, stage and film director who founded El Teatro Campesino, which this year celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Who owns America?

Worldwide corporations, economically. Spiritually and culturally--and inevitably, politically--it is the vast masses of the hemisphere.

Why worry?

We need to worry about a great sense of desperation that can settle in the midst of great change. Fear leads to anger which lead to violence.

I’m alarmed by the growth of cynicism and this superficial, facile manipulation of stereotypes for the sake of momentary excitement. As movies get bigger at the expense of someone’s humanity, we only do injury to ourselves.

The theater by its nature is an upper middle class phenomenon, which excludes a lot of people. The economics effect our very existence: there should be more federal, state and private funding.

Why not?

Even everybody in America is beginning to understand the international co-dependence. The U.S. cannot evade the problems created south of the border by strengthening the border. Solutions must be found that emphasize international cooperation.

The role of the artists is foremost in creating the basis for this political understanding, by clarifying cultural differences and the common history of humanity.

As the word multicultural is floating all over, we need to develop a new concept of worldwide social integration, and this is where the arts must take the lead. The “Miss Saigon” affair was indicative of the questions being asked. The final decision was a failure: it was made on the basis of money. Too often greed determines the direction humanity is taking.

JOY SILVERMAN

Co-founder of the National Campaign for Freedom of Expression, which was formed in repsonse to challenges to artists and arts organizations.

What is art?

I don’t think that was part of the discussion this year. I think it was kind of a screen. The question that should have been asked is, ‘What is the value of art?’ The whole issue was used by people on the far right, religious fundamentalists and politicians in an election year. Why doesn’t the public know more about art? There needs to be an ongoing dialogue about understanding art. That didn’t take place. The sad part is the reality of how little the American public gets access to its own cultural heritage because of a lack of appreciation for the significance of art in our society.

Who decides?

This year, art was defined by the far right.

Who pays?

The politicians went back to their jobs, but those of us who have been involved in making and presenting art have to live with drastic cuts in funding.

DIANE ENGLISH

Creator and executive producer of “Murphy Brown”

What is good taste?

In my experience, as far as our show is concerned, we have had no meddling whatsoever, which is a very good sign. I think, though, it’s because our show has earned their (CBS’) respect. The fact that we do shows in good taste and we treat controversial issues fairly, tended to keep them off our backs. You know, when it comes to the occasional word--we had Colleen Dewhurst say “Luck, my ass!”--I think it’s become easier for us.

We censor ourselves pretty much. We just don’t want to assault the audience and I feel that often what I watch on television is like little kids running around as if they just learned a couple of four-letter words and want to say them all the time. We kind of save our saltier language for situations which I think it needs it, because we deal with reporters and we do consider ourselves a sophisticated show.

ANDRES SERRANO

His controversial photograph, “Piss Christ,” was part of a traveling exhibition that received NEA funds and helped instigate the furor over federal arts funding.

What’s good taste?

I don’t know what good taste is, but I think it has a classical, balanced feeling to it.

Who has it?

A lot of rich people have bad taste and a lot of poor people have great taste, so it doesn’t have anything to do with money. I think it’s a matter of breeding, education and a willingness to experiment with the new and the old.

Who decides?

I don’t think there are any arbiters of good taste. By and large, the decision remains with individuals.