WASHINGTON, April 1, 2008 (AFP) - There was a sprinkling of Hollywood glitter in official Washington on Tuesday, as Robert Redford went to Capitol Hill seeking more US government funding for the arts.

Redford, 71, testified on behalf on a non-profit group that is seeking a budget increase for the National Endowment of the Arts, the federal program that offers federal funding for the arts.

Currently the NEA budget is 144 million dollars, and advocates want it restored to its all-time high of 176 million dollars, reached in fiscal year 1992.

A roster of distinguished personalities argued seriously on the importance that the US government adequately fund arts programs.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, a leading member of the US Conference of Mayors, said that cities with rich arts and cultural programs have a better chance of thriving economically.

Jonathan Spector, who heads The Conference Board, an influential business consulting group, said business leaders complain about the shortage of skilled and creative workers. He emphasized 'the important role of the arts, creativity and innovation in ensuring that, as a country, we have the workforce we need to be successful.'

Grammy-winning rythm and blues singer John Legend talked about how music and art boosted his confidence and made him a successful crooner. 'It was provided to me through my family, through my public schooling and with the help of local arts organizations,' he said.

But it was Redford who packed a hearing of the Arts subcommittee of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, turning heads and getting most of the attention.

Redford's tan tweed jacket and a light blue shirt stood out in the ocean of grey suits and blue blazers, as he walked into the conference room.

News photographers suddenly changed into paparazzi, snapping pictures of Redford's every move, smile and twitch. And it seemed that half the people in the room brought their own cameras, and jostled to get a good angle for their snapshots.

'A character in a movie from an important book was told to 'Follow the money,' -- so I've followed the money -- and found that the source of federal arts funding in America starts with you,' said Redford.

He talked about his humble beginnings, with few luxuries and bad grades at school. 'I was classified as problematic or dumb,' said Redford. 'My imagination was my most valuable commodity and thankfully it became a life force for me at a very young age.'

Had he not been encouraged by a third-grade teacher to pursue his artistic ambitions, Redford said his life could have taken a turn for the worse.

'The path I was on was a troublesome one and lacking any direction,' Redford said. 'I have said before, and I believe it to be true, that art saved my life.'

The sub-committee members joked with the witnesses and asked sympathetic questions, but in the end, the sub-committee chair, Congressman Norman Dicks, was non-committal.

'We're in a very difficult position -- we'll just do the best we can, despite the cuts,' he said.

Then Redford posed with lawmakers and their staff for pictures.