N.Tier Artists Protest Proposed Budget Cuts
September 9, 2009
TOWANDA — A Northern Tier arts organization is showing its disapproval of Pennsylvania’s budget impasse in a unique way.
If you passed the Keystone or Sayre Theaters Wednesday, you may have noticed something a little different – the Bradford County Regional Arts Council has draped the marquees in protest. The impasse is putting the council’s programming and employees in jeopardy.
“It’s not just fluff. They’re in the classroom working with non-traditional learners,” explained Brenda Thomas, the council’s arts and education director.
Thomas says gone are the days of reclusive artists — she’s responsible for bringing local artists into schools.
But the program is in danger of losing money or being cut altogether. A Senate version of the budget calls for $0 in arts funding. Last year, the council received $ 15 million in state money.
If the program gets cut, Thomas’ job gets cut.
“We’ve tried to do what is the traditional advocacy part. And generally, the legislators have responded, but nothing is happening,” said BCRAC executive director Brooks Eldredge-Martin.
So the BCRAC is heading to the streets, well, above the streets actually. Towanda’s Keystone Theater’s sign is draped in black. On the marquee a bold statement: “Imagine a world with no arts.”
“Picasso didn’t get a government grant or work off tax dollars,” said Bradford County commissioner Doug McLinko.
McLinko says he wants an end to the budget stalemate too, but doesn’t want any more taxes.
“Middle America can’t afford it anymore,” said McLinko. “People have to realize there’s going to be pain — there’s going to be things they like that maybe might be a tussle for them for a while, and in the end it’ll all work out.”
The Arts Council will continue “Artless Wednesday” every Wednesday until a budget is in place.
