Our federal legislatures are “shaping the fate of the arts”. House members have officially filed at least two amendments to specifically target further cuts to the arts. House Representative Scott Garrett has filed an amendment to immediately zero-out funding for both the National Endowment of the Arts and for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Congressman Tim Walberg has filed an amendment to cut the NEA by an additional $20.5 million. Elimination of such federal agencies would cripple support for nonprofit art and culture programs. Floor votes will shape the Fate of the Arts.
California Alliance of the Arts states there are headlines from across the nation announcing unprecedented cuts to vital state and national arts institutions.
Elected leaders need to experience creativity, innovation and visit classrooms where art lessons are being taught in the daily curriculum. To observe how students participate in art activities firsthand is important and provides the understanding of how art promotes problem solving and creativity. What can you do to support Arts Education?
Begin by… visiting a local school board member, mayor, city council members, parents of children in our schools and start a conversation about the Arts and discuss the power of arts learning for students as part of their whole education.
If the federal agencies for the arts are eliminated or have reduced funding it would no doubt quickly impact the livability and economic vitality in Santa Clarita.
For more information contact Jaylene Armstrong, retired art educator from Madison Wisconsin, at 661-255-3050.