Or, How Smart Is That?

Hey folks, I’ve been absent from my blog forum for a few weeks because sometimes, Life really is what happens while you’re planning for something else.  In my case I was the puppet and Life was pulling the strings.  But that’s another story.

Today, I felt compelled to ask a hard question of myself as well as the rest of you.  As you know, our country is in a major fiscal crisis.  Some call it recession, economic slump, etc.  But the bottom line is, there isn’t enough money going around. Obviously, this affects everyone, but the arts and education arena is usually the first target of the budget cut carnage.

I’ve received numerous newsletters from organization asking that I join my voice with their’s to ask, plead, or demand that government not only leave current allocations untouched, but to also add to them.

Still, as a member of the creative arts community, a teaching artist, and an arts-in-education consultant, the unavoidable question remains – What if, monetarily speaking, all there is, IS all there is? How do we as individuals and organizations, adjust or maintain the programs and projects we value so highly?

In every day life, if you only have a $100 in the bank, but you spend $200 on your credit card, you’re in debt. If you cannot increase your income, but cannot live within its limited means, what do you do?

The arts-economic situation is no different. For what ever reason (and that is another discussion) many individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies don’t have the donation bankroll they had 5 or 10 years ago.

I value the arts programs in our schools and communities.  They’re needed everywhere, especially in the disadvantaged neighborhoods.  The arts elevate, and I don’t mean is some elitist fashion. Art stimulates imagination, thought, analysis, debate, and exploration.  Educators can use art in the classrooms to support academic pursuits. In social and historical studies art often acts as a chronological mirror, reflecting the mood of society at that time.  Individuals can find solace, amusement, and inspiration as they try to carve out an existence day-to-day.

So, tell me … if art programs are necessary, but are economically gasping for air, what do we do? How do we tighten the belt without suffocating?

I really want to hear your thoughts. Because realistically, no matter who’s in City Hall, the Senate, Congress, or the Oval Office, we need a plan.

“Live for kids’ enthusiasm. It’s the fuel to their success, and your…”