March 16 is Arts Advocacy DayAccording to Lisa Carnevale of RI Citizens for the Arts, if Governor Carcieri's proposed budget cuts are enacted, "these cuts will have a devastating affect on the creative community and beyond. This budget proposal would eliminate the public art program, the film tax credit and discretionary grant funds, a total cut of 58% – causing a severe hit to the many arts and cultural institutions in our state that liven our cities, attract businesses and jobs, hire locally, buy locally and contribute largely to our economic welfare." CMW's Phase III teens will be visiting the State House on March 16 during Arts Advocacy Day to share their musicianship and their opinions. In the words of one CMW teen, "I am a completely different person because of [Community MusicWorks]. Being in CMW has given me the opportunity to be a leader among friends, to express myself, to make my voice be heard, to be confident, to be spontaneous, and to be someone who is willing to help."
Want to join Phase III at the State House? Visit RI Citizens for the Arts to learn more about Arts Advocacy Day. -Heath Marlow, CMW staff |
