A Letter from our Chairman, Frank Mancuso
Amidst a struggling economy, many important programs that were once subsidized by local government are going by the wayside. Various "safety nets" that citizens could once rely on, including many health and human services, are disappearing. This does not bode well for the already paltry funding that goes toward arts programming.
Let's face it: even when we're not
experiencing an economic downturn, funding for the arts is seldom a priority in
terms of government spending - and the situation continues to become more dire,
as significantly reduced arts programs are further slashed, or eliminated
altogether.
Matthew Kennedy, a teacher at Bancroft Middle School in North Hollywood, has seen his budget for art supplies reduced from $800 - already a fairly small number, given that Bancroft is a performing arts school! - to just $100 for the entire year. His usual allotment of four field trips was cut in half, and those two remaining excursions may still be eliminated. As you can see, this exemplifies the disheartening trend of the decimation of arts in our schools.
It is easy to get discouraged given the
current state of affairs. How can we worry about arts funding when other
incredibly worthy organizations that help provide food, housing, health care,
and other basics, have such a huge demand for funding as well?
Our answer was beautifully and eloquently
summed up by our founder, Gil Cates. Gil maintained that we should all give
generously to organizations that provide immediate, urgent human needs. He
would also remind us, with utmost conviction, that we must acknowledge
intangible basic human needs - like the fundamental need to feel connected with
others, to feed the soul, to be stimulated by stories about who we are and who
we can be, as well as the basic and recurring need for catharsis and hope.
Like Gil, we recognize the life-affirming power of the arts. And with budget cuts like those at Bancroft Middle School, arts programs are disappearing. This simply cannot be so.
We invite you to donate today, and help be a part of our solution to restore arts funding to the most underserved residents across Los Angeles County. Your donation directly supports our Education and Outreach programs, which serve more than 22,000 low income children and adults annually.
Please click the Donor Benefits button to learn more about the benefits we've designed to enhance your Geffen Playhouse experience. Thank you for your support.
With warm regards,
Frank Mancuso
Chairman of the Board