What can you do for the arts in one hour?

Dear CO Colleagues in Higher Ed,
We live in a time when the value of the arts is being constantly challenged. I find myself constantly having to justify what we do.  It's very easy to advocate for the arts, considering the immense amount of research that prove the benefits, but it takes our personal touch, our charisma, our time, to make someone actually pay attention. 

So I hope you will take an hour this month to advocate for the arts, whether by emailing your senator, or inviting someone to a concert, or just brainstorming about how to talk on the subject.  Below are some resources I have found helpful.  Many organizations we know are supported in some way by the NEA, and I encourage you to be familiar with the current dialogue. 

What are the many economic and social benefits of arts in our country?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0006jRYTiwJcm55RngzYksxTEU/view (also reached through http://www.americansforthearts.org)

What does the National Endowment for the Arts do? https://www.arts.gov/artistic-fields/music
What is the current trajectory for NEA?
America for the Arts Foundation  reports that "the two Trump transition team advisors are recommending elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and privatization of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting."

The following universities and organizations, along with 20,000 individuals, are petitioning the President. http://artsactionfund.org/page/s/trump-arts-petition

Wishing you a beautiful and art-inspired semester!

HSING-AY HSU © 2017