"This funding from the National Endowment for the Arts has been like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval"

In his quote, Norm Dicks compares funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to receiving the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. This contrast is particularly meaningful and paints a brilliant picture of the worth and credibility gave by such financing.

The Good Housekeeping seal of approval is a well-known symbol of trust and quality control. It stemmed from Good Housekeeping publication, which began offering its "seal" in the early 20th century as a pledge that products bearing the seal were reputable and reliable. In time, it has ended up being a highly regarded marker of quality, supplying customers with assurance and self-confidence in products.

By comparing NEA funding to this respectable seal, Dicks suggests that receiving assistance from the NEA likewise elevates a task or organization, marking it as a top quality and reliable undertaking. The NEA is a substantial federal agency that provides assistance and funding for the arts throughout the United States. Its criteria for awarding grants are based on artistic excellence and merit, to name a few elements.

Therefore, when an organization or project gets financing from the NEA, it doesn't merely get financial backing. It also gets a distinguished endorsement that serves as validation of its worth and contribution to the cultural landscape. This recommendation can open doors to additional chances and can boost the organization's credibility with donors, partners, and the general public.

In essence, Dicks' declaration highlights the impact and significance of NEA funding in the arts neighborhood. It is not just financial backing; it is a stamp of quality and approval that can drive additional assistance and acknowledgment. The comparison to the Good Housekeeping seal makes the abstract notion of reliability more relatable, highlighting the impact of the NEA's recommendation in enriching and advancing creative undertakings.