Sunday, February 27, 2005

Recognize the importance of art in education

Advocate for the Arts
Quote from the Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona:

"I realize that the gains in positioning arts education within the curriculum are challenged by pressures caused by mounting budget deficits. We cannot let our arts programs perish in an attempt to enhance other academic achievements or to balance a fledgling education budget."

Chances are, when any school budget is addressed, art, drama and music programs are the first to be cut for the simple reason that these aren't the subjects that are mandated to be tested.
In reality, a well-rounded, multiple-subject education is the best gift any child could have.

Thursday, February 24, 2005

The Next Creative Age

Advocate for the Arts
Interesting comment found recently:
it is clear that the pervasive worldwide spread of the Internet, digitization and the availability of white collar skills abroad, mean huge cost savings for those global corporations. Consequently, this shift of high tech service jobs will be a permanent feature of economic life in the 21st century. On the positive side, some economists believe that this will improve the profits and efficiency of American corporations and set the stage for the next big growth-generating breakthrough. But what will that be?

Many, like the Nomura Research Institute, argue that the stage is set for the advance of the "Creative Age," a period in which America should once again thrive and prosper because of our tolerance for dissent, respect for individual enterprise, freedom of expression and recognition that innovation is the driving force for the U.S. economy, not mass production of low-value goods and services.

Today, the demand for creativity has outpaced our nation's ability to create enough workers simply to meet our needs.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Arts Advocacy Day

"Monday, March 14–Tuesday, March 15, 2005 Washington, DC
Arts Advocacy Day 2005 is strategically timed to give grassroots advocates the opportunity to shape federal arts policy and educate Members of Congress. Arts Advocacy Day is held in conjunction with the Congressional Arts Caucus, and many Members of Congress will be involved in the day's events. "

For more information, visit the Americans for the Arts website at:
www.AmericansForTheArts.org

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Actress Sela Ward quote

I came across this quote from actress Sela Ward. She was accepting a Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in Jackson, Mississippi. I thought it was so inspiring, I just had to pass it along:

"The thought of taking the education of the arts out of our school system is horrifying for me," said the star of "Sisters."
"The arts inspire the success of a community."

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Steve Martin supports art gallery

Kudos to actor/writer Steve Martin for supporting a local California art museum. Not only does he lend them pieces from his own collection, he recently donated money to the museum for acquisitions and to further art education.
The arts community needs more patrons like him!

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Cutting art from the curriculum

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/03OpOPN95020105.htm
This article is from the Daytona Beach News Journal. It talks about cutting the arts from the school curriculum because "there isn't enough time" for them.
Well, gee! Children in the United States are in school about two weeks per year less than European kids and about three weeks less than Japanese or Korean kids and here is a school system cutting the hours in the day! Children need more instruction, not less, and the type of instruction that includes the arts makes it easier for kids to learn!
What is this school system THINKING?!!!