I think I can say with some confidence that the “art” the VA bought using that money is mostly junk, even though I haven’t seen any of it. That said, there is a legitimate need for artwork and other decorative touches in hospitals, particularly those hospitals that treat veterans. Art, good art, brings humanity to a space, and tempers what can otherwise be an oppressive and overwhelming environment. Veterans in particular can suffer wounds that the non-military cannot truly understand, and some of those wounds aren’t physical. For someone like that, good art can be a true healing tool, and one that can be more effective than any doctor.
Were I ever given the opportunity to sit as the Secretary of the VA, my art policy would be to first purchase some artwork from veterans, because their artwork conveys experiences and messages that only other veterans can understand, but mix it in with good reproductions of classical works from most periods up to the late Romantic, and works from inspiring schools such as “Romantic Realism”, which are often hopeful and optimistic, something many hospital patients need to see.
-—y art policy would be to first purchase some artwork from veterans——
That is a good thought
Although the VA is mentioned, the National Park service has a similar program that includes resident artists. It is all a patronage system to support starvin artists