The following was just sent to the members of the Economic Appropriations Development Committee, and the House Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council Members.
I encourage you to do what you can.
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I am sure your inbox is being flooded with stock emails expressing the need to continue the funding of our cultural arts programs; I could not agree more.
However I would like to make a more personal appeal.
I have the honor of serving my community as a Trustee of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Last night I was asked, and cheerfully agreed to interview applicants who desire (and have a fiscal need) to receive a scholarship to attend performing arts classes at the Center’s Patel Conservatory.
The 14 applicants I met last night ranged in age from 15 years old all the way down to 5 years old, and were from a variety of racial backgrounds, although most were minorities.
The need for this offering in our community was brought into sharp relief after meeting these children and seeing how the performing arts has the ability to shape their lives in a positive way.
The TBPAC will continue to operate in some capacity if funding for the arts is cut; tickets will be sold, shows will be performed, and patrons will be entertained and inspired. However, it is the programs that have the greatest impact on the individual that would have to be eliminated in light of the budget revision.
I implore you not to let this happen.
With Kind Regards,
T.J. Couch, Jr.
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About Me
- tjcouch
- Former gigs: Animatronic creature tech for film and live action, production studio manager for USF, film production consultant, cameraman for WTVT, IMAX Theatre director, museum director, harbor cruise ship captain. Current gigs: loan officer, commercial property manager, Vice Chairman of The Life Enrichment Center, Trustee of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Director of the University Area Community Development Center, Director of a private grant-making foundation.
3 comments:
Well said. Do you know of any online form letters for this issue? I wouldn't mind hitting my Congress Critters too.
http://capwiz.com/artsusa/tx/state/main/?state=TX
Thanks T.J.,
At first I was just going to use the templates provided. But then I felt bad not writing a custom note like you. I sent this (the first and last paragraphs I couldn't change from the template):
"In response to the President's FY 2009 budget request, I write to urge you to reject the cuts he has proposed to key arts programs.
Although I am an engineer by trade, the arts have a large impact on my life. Art and music programs, museums, orchestras, and performing arts centers all contributed to my education.
I believe that exposure to the arts as I grew up contributes to my ability to creatively solve business and engineering problems. Some of the same creative skills learned and practiced in the arts apply directly to engineering and business. I'm sure I'm not alone; many of my colleagues are also artists and musicians.
Please consider that the arts are more than just entertainment. They are an important part of our education system, culture, and a source of our creative strength. Don't cut funding on some of our most important assets.
Thank you for considering my request and thank you for your service in Congress."
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