The recession has government – from federal to state to cities and towns – thinking about how to stay above water…let alone how to fund music, museums, dance and theater.

But because of the downturn, corporate and individual donations are down and endowments have also shrunk. So, without Government support, who will fund the arts?

Today a wide ranging conversation...where we hope to answer some questions. Why do we seem to care so little for public funding of the arts – compared to say, Europe? If the arts are treated as an “economic engine” – what happens when that engine stops running? Is it time to cut funding altogether? What happens when Government gives artists the money – but only for “approved” art?

And, can a city like Hartford expand its arts funding – even while trying to fill a deficit?

Coming up, Where We Live, we'll hear from the Director of The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, local and visiting artists – and our live audience at Real Art Ways.