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" />
Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion (with a B!) in economic activity every year—$63.1 billion in spending by organizations (employees and services) and an additional $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences. here’s how that impacts local and state governments… http://bit.ly/IRliy (this report should be handed to every congressman in the country). Great post, Tara.
Nick,
Thank you SO much for the additional info!
Great article and info, thank you so much for sharing!!! As someone who was “laid off” in the arts/culture field, I really appreciate you spreading the word. Arts education is vital to any personal development, no matter what age, and is often overlooked, yet is so important to our culture and society.
tremundo’s last blog post..new art…6×6
Without the arts we are machines. We have no individuality without creativity and to stifle that in us and our children is horrific. When will government realize that our future as a world depends upon more creative thinking, beauty, and understanding rather than $$$, and conformity. My children will always be exposed to the arts even if they cannot get it in school.
Barb’s last blog post..Finding Time to Sew
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