Arts Alive on TV
WNEP-TV ran a story today about the budget cuts affecting Arts Alive.
Some young adults in Scranton are keeping a close watch on the budget battle in Harrisburg.
They fear thousands of dollars in cuts could affect the arts in school districts across our area.
For recent North Pocono High School graduate Samantha Kuniegel a future in visual arts is her next goal.
It’s a passion which, she said, is now more focused thanks to the state and local dollars funding a program called Arts Alive.
“There’s so much you learn here. You make friends and basically we’re a big family here,” Kuniegel said.
Arts Alive is now marking its 15th year in Scranton. There are 75 students, usually ninth through twelvth graders, learning to hone their visual and performing art skills from professionals in northeast Pennsylvania.
With the state budget battle in Harrisburg the young adults worry the proposed elimination of the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts could mean four week summer programs like this one might be history.
“To see it cut would just be devastating,” Kuniegel added.
Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit runs Arts Alive. The director said the group gets the largest grant in the state to make this program and others happen throughout the year.
“We get about $200,000 a year which we match with school districts and community funding,” said Arts Alive Director Catherine Richmond-Cullen.
That money also helps keep costs down for students taking part in projects like this one.
Not only does Arts Alive help kids in a lot of school districts, but also those who are at risk.
“We are noticing a lot of changes with our at-risk kids. Specifically, one of our students this year is talking about 14th century icons. So they’re not only painting they’re doing the research and the concepts behind what they’re actually painting,” said Arts Alive Coordinator Stefanie Bush.
Organizers think you too will want to see this summer program continue after witnessing the finished products in person this Friday at the Scranton Cultural Center.
