The Federal Art Project, as well as the Federal Music Project, Federal Theater Project and Federal Writers' Project were all projects of the Work Progress Administration's (WPA) Federal Project No. 1. The WPA was established in May 1935 specifically as a work relief program for the millions of individuals left unemployed during the Depression. Its name changed to the Work Projects Administration in 1939 when it fell under the administrative hand of the newly created Federal Works Agency. (At that same time, the Federal Art Project officially became the Federal Art Program.) Under the Federal Art Project, separate photographic divisions were set up in several states, most notably in New York City. In addition to documenting the work and activities of artists employed on the program, photographers documented the activities of other projects under "Federal One," including the Federal Theater and Music Projects. Photographers also worked on creative assignments for exhibitions, photo murals, etc.
From the description of Federal Art Project, Photographic Division collection, 1920-1965, bulk 1935-1942. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 636357174
