Art puts the Charm in Charm City. But with federal budget cuts that threaten the Arts, what does the future look like for arts education and cultural initiatives?
The Trump Administration’s budget for 2019 calls for eliminating four federal cultural agencies in a move that would save almost $1 billion from a $4.4 trillion spending plan – these cultural agencies include National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
These funding cuts are indicative of a disturbing trend in both federal and state budgets that place little emphasis on the arts. Arts education in schools is particularly vulnerable – with more quote ‘employable’ disciplines lines math and science being emphasized – many educators are worried subjects like music, art, and literature will be poorly funded, or in some cases, cut altogether.
On this episode, Wes learns about the power of arts education on students long-term and talks with local arts educators, activisists, and non-profit leaders.
Guests on this episode include:
Donna Sawyer, Chief of External Affairs, Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.
Lori Snyder, Executive Director, Arts Education in Maryland.
Julia DiBussolo, Executive Director of Arts Everyday, lead facilitator for the Baltimore Arts Education Initiative.
Marsha Green, parent of four sons who graduated from City Schools.
Chan'nel Howard, Fine Arts Coordinator, Baltimore City Public Schools.
Alexandra Grayson, Youth Arts Council, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, senior at Baltimore City College High School.
