The Post-Civil War’s New Deal – funding the Arts

[Amy L.]

A vague question: Is there proof that Lincoln intended to support funding of the Arts in his second administrative term?

I read this somewhere, but did not take notes, don’t remember the source, and since then I’ve questioned the idea again and again.
At first asking, “Was the man himself so interested in the Arts?”
Since reading still more about Lincoln, the idea is not surprising. And I assume such a plan’s intent would be economic stimulus during Reconstruction. …

Any insight?