I was recently alerted to an impending budget crunch for Illinois arts organizations, if cuts to state funding of the Illinois Arts Council are not reversed. 

Late last month, Governor Blagojevich vetoed a budget approved by the Illinois General Assembly on August 10, reducing funding to the Illinois Arts Council by 19%.  The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago are among hundreds of organizations and individual artists who enrich the lives of every state resident and visitor through a wide range of artistic programming.  Every business and individual is impacted by this veto.

As passed by the general assembly, the IAC budget represents less than one half of 1% of the state budget, an amazing bargain at $2 per citizen per year. 

Also on the chopping block is the state board of education's Arts and Foreign Language grant program.  If the Governor's veto is not reversed, this entire program will be cut. 

Hopefully, this is not new news for all CCM readers, but I encourage all colleagues and friends of the arts to raise your voice in opposition of the proposed cuts.  

Illinois Arts Week is slated for October 7-13, and, in eloquent (and now ironic) form, the state has published a proclamation affirming the importance of the arts to each Illinoisan. 

Regardless of political affiliation, it would be a terrible sign of concession and apathy NOT to respond with fervent support of the immeasurable benefits of a rich arts experience for every citizen of the state. 

Consider what the value of the arts is to YOU.  (If you are reading this blog, there is a pretty good chance that it is significant.)

Imagine what difference could be in the life of your neighbors or the students at the nearby public school through:

~a hands-on recreation of an Impressionistic masterpiece, offering a creative way to explore cultural and social common ground;

~the chance to take affordable violin lessons with an inspiring teacher, a new role model who opens a gateway for creativity, pride, and aspiration;

~the opportunity for an at-risk teenager to express--through community theater--the struggle to find a meaningful place in a complex world;

~attending an inspiring orchestra  performance of music from different cultures and traditions, lifting a perceived notion of exclusivity and introducing the possibility of creative teamwork. 

Perhaps we won't have the chance to find out.  

Please share this information and voice your opinion.