This article in The Art Newspaper indicates the art world doesn't seem particularly grateful that President Bush increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts:
"Art dealers are typically cautious not to offend their clientele by taking strong positions on controversial topics. This year, however, the rules have changed. Dealers and artists in New York have become visibly politicised and have been actively raising funds and campaigning for Democratic candidate John Kerry in the run up to the US presidential election on 2 November."