We all know that we face an economic crisis teetering on the edge of disaster.

Perhaps that’s a bit melodramatic or, unfortunately, perhaps not. Our local, state, and national governments are taking drastic steps to reduce the amount of debt that we are forced incur. Certainly, important programs & funding will need to be cut. I understand that.

However, the Pennsylvania Senate just passed a bill eliminating all funding for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. And while I understand the need to tighten our collective belts, I believe that an organization that provides support to arts education furthers our ultimate goal.

…arts must be central to education…If we are to be raising strong, creative, independent, and emotionally-centered children, arts – of all kinds – must be central to their education.

The PCA also funds individual artists and local art organizations – perhaps you, one day! – which means it creates jobs. No, these jobs do not involve building bridges or repairing buildings but they are jobs which contribute greatly to the culture of our state. Cutting this funding will force capable, creative people to cease the work that fulfills them.

Luckily, the Pennsylvania House has introduced a bill to fund the PCA with $14 million. Please follow the instructions at the Citizens for the Arts alert center to learn how you can help ensure this bill passes and is approved by the Senate.

If you would like to spread the word on your own site, you can grab this code to post the “Save Arts Funding in PA Sign” above.

<a href="http://handmadeinpa.net/2009/05/help-save-the-arts-in-pa/" title="Help Save the Arts in PA!"><img src="http://www.handmadeinpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/savearts.png" alt="savearts" title="savearts" width="150" height="230" />

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