"As an artist I have an even more abiding interest in the compact between the Arts and Government"

Theodore Bikel's quote talks to the value of the relationship between the Arts and Government. He is expressing his belief that the Arts ought to be supported and encouraged by the Government, which the Government needs to recognize the value of the Arts. He is suggesting that the Arts ought to be viewed as a financial investment, rather than a cost, and that the Government needs to acknowledge the significance of the Arts in society. He is also recommending that the Government ought to supply resources and assistance to the Arts, in order to guarantee that they can continue to flourish and add to society. By doing so, the Government can help to guarantee that the Arts remain an important part of our culture and society. Bikel's quote is a suggestion of the importance of the relationship in between the Arts and Government, and the need for the Government to recognize the value of the Arts and provide the required resources and assistance.