President Kennedy spoke often about the importance of the arts to the national health and well-being. We've collected here his more pertinent and famous remarks, letters, speeches and articles.
"I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist."
President Kennedy in a speech a month before his death
Remarks at the White House Concert for Handicapped Children (August 22, 1961)
Letter of Commendation Following the Settlement of a Dispute Between the Metropolitan Opera Association and the Orchestra (August 28, 1961)
Remarks Upon Signing the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (September 21, 1961)
Remarks of Welcome at the White House Concert by Pablo Casals (November 13, 1961)
Remarks to the Trustees and Advisory Committee of the National Cultural Center (November 14, 1961)
Remarks to the Vienna Choir Boys (January 9, 1962)
Remarks at a White House Musical Program for Youth (April 16, 1962)
The President's News Conference of April 18, 1962
Remarks at a Dinner Honoring Nobel Prize Winners of the Western Hemisphere (April 29, 1962)
Toasts of the President and Andre Malraux, French Minister for Cultural Affairs (May 11, 1962)
Remarks in Response to New York's Birthday Salute to the President (May 19, 1962)
Remarks at the White House Concert by the National High School Symphony Orchestra (August 6, 1962)
Remarks to Members of the Ballet Folklorico of Mexico (September 25, 1962)
Remarks at a Closed-Circuit Television Broadcast on Behalf of the National Cultural Center (November 29, 1962)
Magazine Article "The Arts in America." (December 18, 1962)
Remarks at the National Gallery of Art Upon Opening the Mona Lisa Exhibition (January 8, 1963)
Statement by the President Upon Issuing Order Relating to the Medal of Freedom (February 22, 1963)
Remarks to the Boys' and Men's Choir of Poznan, Poland (March 11, 1963)
Remarks at a White House Musical Program for Youth (April 22, 1963)
Remarks at the Dedication of a Marker to Identify the Grave of Ignace Jan Paderewski (May 9, 1963)
Remarks at the New York Birthday Salute to the President (May 23, 1963)
Remarks of Welcome at the White House to President Radhakrishnan of India (June 3, 1963)
Statement by the President Upon Establishing the Advisory Council on the Arts
(June 12, 1963)
Letter Accepting Resignation of August Heckscher as Special Consultant for the Arts (June 17, 1963)
Remarks Upon Signing Bill To Amend the National Cultural Center Act (August 19, 1963)
Remarks at Amherst College upon Receiving an Honorary Degree (October 26, 1963)
Remarks of Welcome to the Members of the Black Watch Regiment (November 13, 1963)
Remarks of President Johnson and Under Secretary of State George W. Ball at the Presentation of the Medal of Freedom Awards (December 6, 1963)