The future of art in Virginia is uncertain.
I just heard on the morning news that Virginia lawmakers are considering an amendment that would stop funding for the Virginia Commission of the Arts from the state budget. Apparently the two houses are split on this decision.
If this amendment passes it would have a significant impact on the area arts community. Thanks to att
ractions such as the Staunton Augusta Arts Center the Central Virginia area has become a popular destination for culturly minded tourists. Thus investing in the arts is an investment in cultural tourism which is an investment in the local economy.
Having been a fine arts major in college, I have always had an interest in art in Virginia. One of the joys of living in the Charlottesville community has been the vibrant local art scene. I hope that the legislature will carefully consider this issue and decide to continue financial support of Virginia art.
State Budget Threatens Art if you would like to see this story in its entirety.
I think if we focused more on the arts and less on war we would be truly a kinder, gentler nation. It's not that I don't support our troups but at what point do we also need to take care of our educators and our culture.
Pam, I agree! This isn't an area where they should cut the budget. Thanks.
The arts fell out of favor in our schools here many years ago. They were the first subjects to be cut. Now they are fighting for survival with California's $20 billion budget deficit, which affects every city, too.
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