Save NYSSSAAny of our readers who grew up in New York, or plan to raise young artists in the state, will find this interesting and alarming. The New York State Summer School of the Arts, a comprehensive program of eight summer schools in the visual and performing arts, is calling for help and support. I am an alum of the 1992 Visual Arts School, and was a visiting artist in 2007, and pass this on as a concerned supporter. It would be a shame to lose such an amazing opportunity for young artists, and I speak from experience when I say that it changes lives. If you can, please help them out.
Dear Faculty, Staff and Friends of the New York State Summer School of the Arts,
NYSSSA needs your help! The State Division of the Budget has informed the program office that it must immediately begin retrenchment for next summer’s program, with a 50% reduction in funding. This means that at least four of the eight schools will have to be closed. Since auditions have already been held and students selected and notified, this will be devastating news for many of our most promising young artists. The State Legislature and the Office of the Governor have supported NYSSSA for 39 years because they have heard from thousands of parents, students and arts supporters.
If you would like to help restore the NYSSSA schools, please tell our leaders. The New York State Alliance for Arts Education has developed an Advocacy Alert which includes a sample letter and email addresses.
http://www.nysaae.org/Support_NYSSSA.htm
Also, there are several Facebook groups to SAVE NYSSSA started by students and staff. Both of these sites have sample letters and addresses to make contacts as easy as possible. But if you have a direct contact with any of our State leaders, any effort you make with them will be greatly appreciated!
Please do what you can to help save NYSSSA.
|
