Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a celebrated humanitarian, passed away in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100.
While remembered as a statesman, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and advocate for human rights, Carter also left an indelible mark on the art world—a lesser-known but profound aspect of his legacy.
Championing Modern Art and Architecture
Carter’s presidency witnessed bold cultural strides, including the inauguration of the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art in 1978. Designed by architect I.M. Pei, the structure symbolized a modernist leap in Washington, D.C.’s architectural landscape. During the opening, Carter articulated his vision for art’s role in society:
“Government should limit itself to nourishing the ground in which art and the love of art can grow.”
Carter’s administration also doubled the budget of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), fueling a renaissance of federally funded artistic programs.
His Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA) provided thousands of artists, including Spike Lee and Judy Baca, with opportunities to create during economically turbulent times—a parallel to the New Deal’s WPA programs.
An Artist in His Own Right
A dedicated amateur painter, Carter found solace and expression in art. His portraits of loved ones, such as his mother and wife Rosalynn, conveyed an intimate sensitivity. One of his paintings sold for over $1 million, with proceeds benefiting the Carter Center.
A Patron of Musical and Visual Arts
Carter’s presidency intertwined art with politics. Musicians like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson were personal friends, while artists such as Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg supported his campaigns. Warhol’s Jimmy Carter I and portraits of Carter’s family underscored the president’s cultural relevance, bridging the worlds of art and politics.
Pioneering Restitution and Memorialization
In a groundbreaking move, Carter returned the Crown of St. Stephen to Hungary in 1978, exemplifying his commitment to cultural restitution. His approval of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial project—later realized with Maya Lin’s minimalist design—highlighted his understanding of art’s power to heal and unite.
Carter’s Cultural Philosophy
Described as a “Renaissance man” by his Chief Domestic Policy Adviser Stuart E. Eizenstat, Carter’s openness to diverse art forms extended beyond his presidency. Whether promoting solar energy with a public demonstration in 1979 or hosting world leaders at Camp David, Carter’s ethos reflected a harmonious blend of artistry and diplomacy.
A Lasting Influence on Art and Society
Carter’s cultural contributions continue to inspire. His championing of the arts, paired with his moral leadership, created a lasting foundation for future generations of artists and cultural advocates. As his former speechwriter Hendrik Hertzberg noted, Carter’s leadership was “more religious than political in nature,” a reflection of his commitment to values over expediency.
Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer turned president, leaves behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and an enduring belief in art’s transformative power. His life reminds us that leadership and creativity often stem from the same well of inspiration.
