Save the Arts!

The PA Senate passed their version of the state budget (SB 850) 30-20, which would eliminate all arts and cultural grants in the state through the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.  The budget now goes to what will likely be an arguable conference committee before its final passage in the general assembly. This budget is particularly important, because it funds the vital grants that support arts and culture organizations statewide - revitalizing communities and maintaining jobs in the sector.  A last minute cut to our region's arts and cultural organizations will negatively impact our communities in the long term.  

Though tough times have translated to tough choices all across the board, a slumping economy is particularly tough on nonprofit arts organizations, who are finding less support from corporate and philanthropic institutions.  This continues the historical cycle of the struggle for the arts.  The arts are often neglected on the financial element but praised with the creativity and cultural aspect.  What is often overlooked is that the arts give us comfort, sing our song and tell our story when we are gone.  We need the arts not only for ourselves but for future generations.  We need to build the arts and inspire artists – young and old - to create and help them during trying times.   

What can you do to help?  Write and call your legislators and tell them to save the arts!  Working together we can make this happen.

Darcie Goldberg
Executive Director
Chester County Art Association

See Cultural Alliance website for more information and ideas for action.
http://www.philaculture.org/action