Stand Up for the Arts in Alabama

Happy New Year!

January is a traditional time to take a moment for reflection and for renewed action.  Those together provide real opportunity to invest in what we value.  For me and many others, the arts are central to what we value and how we envision our communities.  The arts teach us to think critically and creatively, and work collaboratively.  These are skills for a lifetime.  The arts invite us to consider other points of view, other possibilities, new ideas, and, at their core, are joyful experiences.

Our Alabama legislature begins its budget work soon, and I encourage you to stand up for arts funding in the state budget  through the Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA).  Please take a moment to call, email or write your legislator to request that they restore $500,000 cut to the ASCA budget to fund it at the previous level of $4 million.

Children’s Dance Foundation, along with many others, receives funding from the council each year which is critical to providing direct services to children and adults in our communities throughout the State.  This year, we will serve 2000 children each week – boys and girls of all ages and abilities, who are at risk, or have special needs; and thousands more throughout the year with events and performances.  Our community programs at dozens of schools and social service agencies are possible because of this public funding source in addition to private support.

ASCA is far-reaching in its efforts to fund programs throughout the State.  The arts employ, empower and inspire community members, and have a profound and exponential impact.  Help our legislators understand that an investment in the arts is strategic and essential to the health and vitality of Alabama.

Here is a link to finding and contacting your legislator: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/.  Look on the left column of links and use “find your legislator” tool.  Send a message – tell your story of how the arts are an important part of your life and community.  Encourage restoration of the funding cuts for ASCA in next year’s budget.

Thanks for your support of the arts!