Arts Advocacy Day 2013: The Short and the Long

AEAI President Sidney Allen and I were at the State House last Thursday and this was the seventh time since 2005 that I have attended an Arts Advocacy Day event at the state capitol. I always enjoy this event. I had the chance to visit with Governor Pence for a few moments and I shared with him Bob Sabol's excellent policy analysis for art education advocates, parents, citizens and policy makers. I spent most of my day with House Republicans and had the chance to talk with Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee: District 78 Rep. Suzanne Crouch, District Rep. 53 Bob Cherry, District 60 Rep. Peggy Mayfield, District 47 Rep. John Price, District 70 Rep. Rhonda Rhoads and District 15 Rep. Hal Slager. I basically thanked them for any consideration for improving education funding because since 2009, we have seen cuts to many art programs across the state. Why does it matter? Creativity with a capitol C. Creativity matters because the art room is the center for creativity in our schools. Creativity matters because children thrive in schools where fine arts programs are in place. Creativity matters because the affects of creative experience are critically important to children's psycho-emotional and intellectual development. Creativity matters because professionals and entrepreneurs all across the economic spectrum need it to stay relevant in the world wide economy of the 21st Century. Creativity matters because it is a vital component of our state's dynamic economy. And creativity matters because it is every American child's right to an education that endows him or her with skills related to divergent and creative thinking.

Arts Advocacy Day Training Location Changed

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE...

 

THE LOCATION OF TRAINING FOR ARTS DAY HAS BEEN CHANGED.

 

The time for training will remain the same - 10:30 a.m.

The location has changed from Union Station, Music for All office.

 

TRAINING WILL NOW BE HELD AT THE STATEHOUSE.

 

This change was made due to the change in the session times of the legislators.

 

Registraton will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Statehouse

Training will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Arts Advocacy Day February 14, 2013

Discussing the importance of creativity in the educational experiences of children with Senator Waltz last year. (Photo courtesy of Tetia Lee, Tippecanoe Arts Federation)

 I plan to "Storm the Floor" with other Indiana arts advocates during the Indiana Coalition of the Arts annual lobbying event. If you want to get some great lobbying training, please consider meeting up with members of INCA  and other arts advocates at the Music for All offices located at Union Station around 10:30 AM. I cannot attend the training session but will arrive at the Indiana State House for the reception around 12:30. If you are interested in contacting me, please do so at campak14@yahoo.com. Will see you at the State House this Thursday!

Problem Here....

HB1003 is a voucher expansion bill that could bleed nearly 50 million dollars from public school funding. This bill has received support from the Indiana House and is supported by the Governor. I view this bill as having a chilling effect on public school systems capacity to maintain funding for under funded fine arts programs in public schools across the state. Are you concerned? Contact your Indiana State senator and your Indiana House representative here:  More on HB1003 here.

Bullying A Problem In Schools Today? Ask For More Arts Education: Creating a Culture of Acceptance Conference March 9th at the Indiana Convention Center

The arts play a huge roll in the development of creative thinking skills but also make significant contributions to the development of a form of intelligence known as empathy. The psycho-dynamic affects of fine arts experience as a positive force in the amelioration of violent tendencies is well known. This is why arts advocates are very sensitive to the displacement of arts education experiences in our schools. Please consider joining educators, parents, students, concerned citizens and other interested professionals in a bullying prevention conference  at the Indiana Convention Center on March 9th.