A national telephone survey of 1,504 adult Americans was conducted to determine the role that the arts play in their lives. Overall, results show that the arts are an indispensable part of the mainstream of American life. A shortage of leisure time causes people to be selective about their leisure time commitments. Despite this, arts attendance and participation continue to rise, but at a rate slower than in the late 1970's. Although the number of arts facilities easily accessible to people from their homes has increased, there is still a perceived need for more arts centers and for more performances and arts activities. Each year a larger number of people view the arts on television. The growth of the videocassette recording (VCR) industry could become a threat if the VCR becomes a substitute for live performances. Although increases in individual participation in the arts has slowed, there is still an impressive upward trend. Americans are very disturbed about cuts in public school budgets dealing with the arts; they want the arts taught in schools. The public is willing to finance the arts. For example, approximately 55 percent think there should be more rather than less federal financial contributions to the arts. The appendices contain a discussion of the survey method used and the questionnaire itself. (RM)